Securing Aisling

by Andrea Boyd

  She held her ring finger up to emphasize her point. I was not sure if she really meant to end my father’s life or just his actions, but either way I could tell that Queen Brianna of Aisling could be a force to reckon with if angered.

  My heart pounded as Brianna went back to her task of applying ointment. She had not changed her mind. Despite all I had been through on this day, I had never been this happy.

  She cleared her throat and her face turned suddenly red. “Do you have any other cuts that need tending?”

  I understood her embarrassment now. I would have to strip in order for her to see all of my injuries. That was not going to happen. I became acutely aware that we were not alone. I kissed the palm of her hand and felt it tremble beneath my lips. “I appreciate your concern, but I am fine. I promise there was no serious harm done.”

  She tilted her head down with her lips protruding in an endearing pout. “I am sorry. I probably should not have threatened your father’s life, but I am so angry with him right now. None the less, you should know that I meant what I said.”

  I leaned in close to her ear and whispered hoping she would be the only one to hear. “I know you did. I realize that what you have said has more to do with your feelings toward my father rather than any love for me, but right now I feel cherished, maybe for the first time in my life.”

  The sides of her mouth turned up slightly, but she still looked worried and maybe a little confused as well. A small noise from one of the men standing behind me drew Brianna’s attention for a moment. When she looked back at me, I could see determination move into her features as she lifted her shoulders and chin. It was as if something had changed in that split second. I braced myself for whatever was coming.

  “Garrett, did you mean it when you said you would marry me tonight?”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “I am willing to go through with it tonight, without your father’s knowledge if that is possible. What do you say?”

  I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Brianna, I did not mean to pressure you, and I do not want to take anything away from you. There is nothing holding me back, but you deserve to have the wedding of your dreams with your family and friends there to witness. I will not let you give up your happiness for my sake.”

  There was only a small hesitation before she answered. “Garrett, all but one that I really care about seeing me wed is in this room, and the one not here will be so happy that I have brought home a husband, I am sure she will quickly forgive me.”

  Eamon cut in. “Are you sure you want to do this, Your Highness? I believe I can protect you from any threat King Coman may pose.”

  Brianna took a few steps to close the gap between her and her advisor, placing her hand on his arm. “But can you protect Garrett? Regardless of what I think, until we are married and he pledges himself to me and to Aisling, Garrett is bound to Coman and his kingdom. He is not safe. Even his warning me against his father could be considered treason. I have brought this threat upon him, and I will not leave it this way.”

  The look he gave her seemed more intimate than that of an advisor to his queen. It caused a small twinge of jealousy on my part. “If it can be safely done, it will be as you say, My Queen.”

  He glanced my way. “Prince Garrett, do you think your vicar will do this without alerting King Coman?”

  “I am sure he will perform the ceremony, and I will stay with him until it is done to make sure he does not have the opportunity to enlighten my father.”

  “Fine, then I suggest we leave tonight after the ceremony. I can assure you that your plans will upset the king when he finds out. He may try to find a way to retaliate. I would rather be in Aisling when he does.” I could not agree with him more.

  Brianna

  Garrett had never asked me why I had sent for him. He probably assumed I had heard about his condition. I was totally floored when I found out what his father had done. Until then, I had known Coman was full of evil, but I never would have guessed that it was such that he would physically harm his own son. That may have shown naivety on my part, but there are some things in this world that I still believe should not exist. That kind of violence toward your own child is one of them.

  The decisions were made that we would indeed be married and leave Gilvary on that very night. Eamon ordered our warrior to go with Garrett. We would meet them in the chapel in one hour, giving us enough time to make ready for travel. I did not have time to think about what I was about to do as Gwen and I both rushed around making sure everything was packed, and getting myself dressed and ready to be wed.

  I was torn between wanting to wear the best I had brought with me, which seemed appropriate for a wedding, and wearing my battle gear, which was what I would normally wear for the trip back home. Both would draw too much attention. I ended up choosing my bright blue ruffled skirt and white blouse with the silver bustier. The bustier had been embroidered all over with large, bright blue flowers. Gwen had informed me the first time she saw it that it did not compliment my coloring. But it was new, and it reminded me of home which gave me great comfort. However, it would not be practical should I have to make a hasty escape on horseback.

  Gwen kept up a stream of assurance as she braided my hair and wound it into a bun. It was not elaborate, but it would do. I hoped for a chance to change clothes later, but I would definitely not have time to redo my hair before we left. I just stared into the mirror as she worked, unable to say anything. In mere minutes, I would be getting married. It just seemed too unreal for words. I was both excited and scared out of my wits.

  There was also a little sadness in the mix. When Garrett had mentioned my family attending the wedding, I was sure he had forgotten the fact that I had no family left. I thought about how my parents would have felt on this day. Would they have approved of my choice for a husband? I know the circumstances would have been different were they alive, but there was always the possibility that the end results would have been the same.

  It seemed like no time had passed before Eamon came back in, asking if we were ready. “Reilly was not in his chambers, but I did find Owen. I let him know what was happening. He will inform Reilly, and they will stay to finish out the Session meetings in your place.

  “I will head to the chapel alone, and the two of you will go out together. I think that will create the least suspicion. We do not want Coman to be alerted so he can stop this before it happens. Hopefully, he has already retired for the night. Queen Brianna, are you listening?”

  I looked up into Eamon’s bright blue eyes. Now that everything was packed and I was ready, I was starting to feel the impact of my decision to move ahead with the ceremony. “Yes, Eamon, I heard you. We will be there in a few minutes.”

  He patted my hand. “Remember, God is in control. Whatever happens, it will be in His will.” I only nodded, and he slipped out through the door.

  What he had said was true, but God’s will was not always what you expected. I would have felt better if he had just said everything is going to be all right, it will all work out for the good. I took the time to pray and was finally able to surrender. Peace flooded me and left me feeling much calmer.

  After a few minutes, Gwen and I followed. We only passed a few servants in the hallways between my chambers and the chapel door. We tried to act casually, like two friends out for a stroll, but I am not sure I pulled it off.

  When we arrived, the warrior that had accompanied Garrett silently exited the room. I was sure he had been instructed before we arrived. Gwen continued on to the front of the chapel to sit with Eamon. Garrett stood at the altar with the vicar. I made my way down the long aisle to stand before him.

  He was wearing a simple white tunic with dark pants. He had tried to slick his hair back, but it was already curling up at the nape. I had a strong desire to run my fingers through it, but of course, I restrained myself. I would probably have my chance after the ceremony. He took both of my hands in his and knelt before me as was the cus
tom throughout the land of Kearnley. I looked deep into his green eyes and was unexpectedly lost in the moment, all remaining fear and doubt fluttered away.

  Vicar Gilmore looked eager to perform this duty even though his part in these proceedings would be small. “Beloved, we come together on this day to witness the joining of Brianna Leigh Reaner, Queen of Aisling, to Garrett Richard Barnali, Prince of Gilvary, in the holy union of marriage. You may proceed.”

  The bride and groom were meant to speak to each other from the heart, but judging from the weddings I had witnessed before, I suspected these ceremonies were hammered out and practiced beforehand. That would not be the case on this day. I hoped I would know what to say when my time came, but the groom always went first.

  “Brianna, I promise to honor and cherish you above all. I share myself and all that I possess with you and no other for as long as we both live.”

  “Garrett, I give myself to you and only you for as long as we both live. You will share my kingdom and all of my possessions as my equal.”

  I had taken my cue from him. Our vows were short and to the point, but they were honest. Neither of us spoke of love for it would have been a lie, and that was not how I wanted to begin my marriage. Oh how I hoped that it would one day include love. Please God, let me fall in love with my husband and him with me.

  This was where the ceremony should have come to its ending, but Garrett spoke again. “I, Garrett Richard Barnali, pledge my fealty to you, Brianna Leigh Reaner Barnali, my queen and my wife. I forsake all pledges and loyalties given before this day and now do pledge all of my loyalties to you and the Kingdom of Aisling.”

  This was not part of the marriage ceremony. This pledge of fealty usually happened in the throne room before the people of the kingdom. Right in the middle of Garrett’s pledge there had been a disturbance at the back of the chapel. I had looked back long enough to see Coman storming through the door with Finelle right behind him. Both were in their dressing gowns, obviously having already retired for the night which had been our hope. I wondered how they had found us out, but that question was answered when Rian snuck in and sat down on the back pew with a satisfied look on his face.

  I looked back at Garrett just as he finished. Still kneeling with both of my hands in his, he kissed the betrothal ring he had given me and then kissed the emerald, dragon embossed ring on my right hand that I had taken during my coronation. He remained steady throughout the whole ceremony, but surely he could feel my trembling.

  His pledge and my response were practically the same that had been passed down through the generations. “As ruling queen of Aisling, I accept your pledge. Arise, my husband and fellow citizen.”

  Still holding both of my hands, Garrett stood up and leaned down to kiss me firmly on the lips, completely ignoring the commotion heading down the aisle. This was the part where the vicar should have announced us as husband and wife, but when I looked around, he was nowhere to be seen.

  Garrett’s parents had made it down to where we were standing. Both of them were pale, and Coman was breathing heavily as if he had run the whole way. “What is the meaning of this?”

  Coman was bellowing, and no one was answering. “I demand to know what is going on.”

  “It is our wedding, Father. You were there when we became engaged. Surely you knew we would follow through.” Garrett’s response as well as the look he gave his father was as cold as ice.

  “But why tonight? Why did you find it necessary to sneak in here in the night? Is she with child? Garrett, have you brought further shame on this family? Is that it?”

  How dare he speak about me in that manner? I lifted my chin defiantly. Garrett squeezed my hand in an unmistakable gesture that I should allow him to handle it.

  “This is my wife and my queen, and you will not disrespect her. You well know that accusation is not true. How can it be? Brianna has only just arrived at Gilvary three days ago. Even if we had come together, which we have not, it would be too soon to even know if she were with child. If anything, it was your own manipulations that brought her to the decision to ask me to marry her in the first place. She wanted to have the ceremony tonight, and I agreed. There is nothing more to discuss.”

  Coman threw his hand up. I had thought he was going to hit him, but Garrett never even flinched. “I go days, weeks even, without seeing your face. For all anyone knows the two of you have been meeting in secret. I would not put it past you, Garrett. You would love nothing more than to usurp my authority or bring dishonor to my family. There is no telling how long you have been plotting to marry into the throne of Aisling. What of your brother? Does it concern you at all what this will do toward destroying Dunbar’s happiness?”

  “What about my happiness, Father?”

  He shook his head. “It does not matter. Everyone will believe the worst anyway. Sneaking off into the night to marry. For that matter, who would believe there even was a ceremony? You only have these two witnesses, one of them nothing but a servant, my word will be enough to put an end to this farce. I will make sure you both live to regret this. You just wait and see.”

  I was angry to the point of exploding. Even as Coman made his false claims against me and stood there planning the destruction of my character, my heart cried out for Garrett and what this must be doing to him. What about my happiness, Father? I could not comprehend how he could just skip over that question without a care.

  I did not know how Garrett could stand being in the same room with Coman, but I was ready to end this pointless conversation. He was not the only one who could offer threats. I kept my voice low and controlled just as I had been taught when trying to take command of a situation. I believe my father would have been proud. “Are you seeking war with Aisling? Is that what you are after?”

  Coman looked as if he had just remembered I was even there. “No, you silly child. Why would you bring up war at a time like this?”

  I raised one eyebrow. “Silly child? Let me remind you again that I am a queen and now Garrett is a king, both on a level equal to you. You have accused me of being a loose woman, and now you share your intentions of lying about my marriage. On top of all of that you add veiled threats to the two of us. I ask you once more, is it war you seek? If that is the case, just say the word.” I had moved closer to Coman, my voice rising with every syllable. I had lost what little control I had start out with.

  He took a step back, his face drained of all color. Kearnley had never seen a civil war before, but it was no secret that Aisling kept its warriors well trained. “Let us just calm down, I am sure everything can be worked out to everyone’s satisfaction in the end without mentioning war, Your Highness. You will have to forgive me. I just got carried away. After all, you have cut my beloved wife out of the privilege of seeing our son’s wedding. One can only speculate as to why this was necessary.”

  I could not help but notice that he never really apologized, and his last statement still hinted at something untoward. I had a suspicion that Coman could care less, but Finelle did look upset. I could not conjure up too much sympathy for her. Where had she been while Garrett had carried his beatings?

  I brought my attention back to King Coman. “If you want an explanation as to the speediness of our marriage, just look at Garrett’s face.” He only glared at me with his lips pressed tight, and I stared defiantly back at him.

  I only looked away when Garrett pulled me past Coman to stand before his mother. “It does not matter Brianna, it is done now. Mother, you know I would never purposely hurt you.”

  Finelle took his face in both of her hands, studying his features with a slight smile on her face. I do not know how it was possible, but she seemed to look past the cuts and bruises as if they did not exist. “Congratulations on your marriage. I wish you every happiness.”

  She released him and turned to me. “Welcome to the family. You have chosen well. I know you will have a blessed future together.” Other than the tears in her eyes and her touching Garrett’s face,
this seemed like a perfectly impersonal greeting to me. But what did I know of family?

  As all of this was happening, Gwen had eased out of the chapel leaving only Eamon with us. He followed as we made our way out into the hallway. As soon as we were far enough away from the Barnalis, he brought us to a stop. “Garrett, if you would, walk with Brianna to her chambers and stay with her until I send for you. I feel the urgency more now than ever that we need to make a speedy exit out of here. Hopefully we can still get away without too much notice, but it does seem doubtful considering they found out about the wedding, no matter that we tried to keep it hidden.”

  “I am sorry to say that I am positive Father has been using Rian as a spy.” He seemed embarrassed by the fact that his brother was to blame.

  “It is nothing to worry about now. We will be gone from here soon enough. Remember, do not leave the room until I send for you.” With that, Eamon left us and headed in the opposite direction.

  We only met a maid in the hallway along the way. She curtsied as we came closer to her. Garrett acknowledged her with a smile and a nod. “Good evening, Tessa.”

  “Good evening, Prince Garrett and Queen Brianna. I offer my congratulations on your engagement. I know you’ll have a happy life together.” Her eyes flicked toward Garrett’s battered face and then away several times. A servant would never question such a thing, but her concern about his appearance was obvious.

  “Oh, so you have not heard. We were married tonight.” It was all I could do not to look at Garrett. I did not understand his purpose in sharing this news with the maid. Was she a special friend of his?

  Tessa looked truly stunned. “Tonight, sir?”

  “Yes, we saw no reason to put it off once the decision was made. This way we can leave for Aisling together when the time comes.”

  “That is wonderful news. Again, I offer my congratulations to the both of you.” She curtsied once more as we walked away.

  I waited until we were out of her hearing to say anything. “What was that about?”