He headed over to Sasha who was still refusing to let go of Heinrekh. He touched her shoulder gently.
“I will arrange for him to be returned to Vasmaar. He will join his ancestors in the mausoleum there.”
Sasha looked up at him, her eyes were red and puffy, her face tear-stained. “Can I not bury him in Muirhead?”
Wilhelm shook his head. “He loved Vasmaar, it is where he belongs. It is also yours now. Well, your son’s actually.”
“I don’t understand?”
“Your son inherits the rights to rule Vasmaar. Until he is able to do that, you can either do it yourself or appoint a guardian who can.”
“I don’t want it,” she murmured.
“It is your son’s birth right.” He pulled her to her feet. “We will talk more about it another time. Lars, please take Sasha back to Muirhead for now.”
“Erin?”
“Unconscious, but I’m sure she’ll come around soon.”
“I’m staying until she does.”
“In that case Lars will take you back to the Royal Quarters.”
Wilhelm beckoned over a few stray Vasmaarian soldiers who had fought on their side. “I want you to escort Heinrekh’s body back to Vasmaar. We will hold his funeral in a few days’ time. Vasmaar is currently under my protection until a guardian for Heinrekh’s son has been appointed. If so much as a goblet is missing from the castle, the citizens will feel my wrath. Is that understood?”
The men nodded and removed Heinrekh for the last time from the Great Hall.
Raised voices caught his attention. “What is happening?” he broke up the skirmish.
“He’s a Vokteren,” a soldier pointed to Jasper.
“He is Jasper Voktere, Erin’s tutor and friend of mine,” Wilhelm announced.
“A Vokteren?”
“No, just because he was born into the founding family does not make him a follower of Valkarin. He was not only instrumental in returning your priestess to you, he has also saved my life and Erin McLomard’s too. If anyone so much as touches him, they will answer to me. The same also goes for Sasha’s protector Lars.”
He looked around for Birdie. “I want you to take Jasper to the Royal Quarters. It is not safe for him to be around here when tensions are so high.”
Birdie nodded. “I need to check on Erin also.”
“King Wilhelm,” a familiar voice behind him spoke.
“Ajax,” Wilhelm turned to greet his former tutor. “And it’s still Prince for now. I will take the throne after my father has had his Viking funeral.”
“A very noble decision, and one that will be welcomed by the people. Talking of the people, you should address them. A large crowd has collected outside. You need to confirm that Valkarin is no more and you are now in charge.”
“Fine,” Wilhelm headed to the exit. “By the way, Ajax, you’ve just been appointed my Royal Advisor.”
CHAPTER 26
Sasha felt completely drained, she just lay in the middle of the bed staring into nothing. She hadn’t realised just how much she had loved Heinrekh until he lay dying in her arms. He had wanted to marry her and all she had done was turn him down. Suddenly she longed to feel that pewter marriage band around her wrist, but she knew that would never happen now.
Rubbing her swollen belly, she blamed herself for his death. Had she not been so headstrong with Valkarin, he would not have tried to harm her. Or had she agreed to Heinrekh’s proposal, they could well have been living harmoniously in Vasmaar. It was her fault their son would grow up without his father.
One thing Wilhelm had said rang true. Heinrekh did love Vasmaar so she would not deny their son the chance to rule it. It is what Heinrekh would have wanted. But he would be brought up without any dark arts training, whatever powers he had inherited from his father.
A soft tap at the door interrupted her thoughts. “Go away, Lars,” she moaned.
Birdie appeared in the room instead. “I brought you something to eat.”
“Thanks. But I’m not in the mood for food.”
“I know, however that wee bairn needs something.”
“I can’t eat right now, Birdie.” Sasha tried to stem them, but the tears flowed freely again.
“There, there,” Birdie soothed, holding her tight. “It’s hard to carry on, I know. Although it was a brother I lost, I was still left with a child.”
“I feel so guilty, Birdie,” she sniffed. “I loved him, yet at times I could be so horrid to him.”
“We all say things we don’t mean to those we love. You saw the good in him, and he changed from the evil, cold monster we all knew, into the honourable man who sacrificed himself to save Lokranor and you.”
“I keep thinking it was my fault, that if I’d done something different, he would still be alive.”
“You can second guess the possible outcomes until the cows come home, my dear. But fate is fate. Heinrekh gave his life for you and the baby, what you have to do now is carry on and lead a life that he would have been proud of. Raise his son to be a courageous and wise leader. Don’t let his sacrifice count for nothing, that would indeed by a tragedy.”
Sasha begrudgingly picked up a piece of bread and chewed on it. It tasted like sawdust.
“Is Lars going to return to Norway with Jasper?” She was not quite sure why, but she would feel strange not having him around.
“No,” Birdie shook her head. “Although Valkarin is dead once again, there are those who worry what power your baby will possess, so your protection detail will remain.”
“And Jasper?”
Birdie gave the most beautiful smile. “He’s going to be staying permanently with us.”
“I am thrilled for you both,” Sasha hugged her. “Even though my face might not show it. You two definitely deserve a happy ending.”
“Now, I know you’re not in the mood to start making decisions, but what are you planning on doing over the next few weeks?”
“I will ride to Vasmaar to arrange Heinrekh’s funeral. I understand there is a family mausoleum there. Then I guess I’d better whip the staff at his castle into shape.”
“Is there anyone you wish to act as guardian for the territory?”
“I will ask Wilhelm to advise on that. I’m sure he would be able to recommend someone trustworthy.”
“Keeping yourself busy and focused won’t get rid of the pain, but it does keep it from destroying you.”
“Thank you, Birdie. And being the crappiest of friends, I’ve not yet asked how Erin is.” How could she have forgotten about her best friend?
“Still unconscious, I’m afraid,” Birdie could not mask her fear.
“Should she not be moved back to Muirhead so we can get her transferred to Inverness?”
“The move could damage her more. Besides, how do we explain her injuries?”
“She’s tough, she’ll pull through.”
“Actually, you’ve just given me an idea. I think her father needs to have more than a strong word with her.”
“James is dead, Birdie.”
“Exactly, so he should be able to reach her.”
Sasha watched Birdie hurry out the room. The poor woman seemed to have lost the plot. Either that or she was missing something.
Erin walked through the lush woods to the ruins, it looked beautiful clad in its ivy. Aria came out to meet her.
“You did well, child.”
“I have to admit, I wasn’t sure of victory. Valkarin was a slippery character.”
“Yes. But I am glad I got the last laugh. It was my artefacts which finally killed him. A life for a life as they say.”
“With Valkarin gone, and Heinrekh also, the Second Realm will be at peace for the first time ever. Let us hope it stays that way when Heinrekh’s son is old enough to rule.”
“It will,” Aria smiled knowingly. “Lokranor and Vasmaar will be united by marriage one day.”
“For now, we have eighteen years of peace to look forward to. Talking of peace,
I shall arrange for you to be laid to rest beside Tobin.”
“He did say he would love me for eternity,” Aria sighed. “I guess I’ll find out soon if that was true.”
Erin was startled by the appearance of her father. “Dad? What the hell are you doing here?”
“I would ask the same of you, Erin.”
“I’m visiting Aria. Who let you loose from the underworld?” Her head felt a little fuzzy.
“No-one. It is you who is out of place.”
“Me?”
“Yes. Do you not remember a hefty blow to your body and head?”
“Yeah. That was a couple of days ago.”
“You’ve been unconscious since.”
“Is this your subtle way of telling me I’m dead? If so, you’re crap at it,” she scowled.
“No,” he laughed. “But I’ve just had my ear chewed off by your mother. If I don’t persuade you to return to your body, she’s going to give me grief for the next decade at least.”
“So this is all a dream?”
“Kind of. You’re between worlds, which is why Aria appears real to you. Once she is laid to rest properly, she will enter the underworld fully.”
“So how do I find my way back? I’m in the First Realm and my body in the Second.”
“It is just your mind that believes you are in the First Realm. You have to want to return though, so think of something that will draw you back.”
“I was kind of hoping you had a spiritual SatNav,” Erin rolled her eyes.
“You don’t need it,” he smiled. “I can see in your heart there is something big enough to pull you home.” He started to fade. “Don’t stay long else you will never return.”
“Your father speaks wisely, child,” Aria touched her hand. “Go now so you can fulfil the last part of our bargain.”
Erin shut her eyes, but all that popped into her mind was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Was she supposed to click her heels together and say ‘there’s no place like home’ three times? It didn’t work in any case. Then a different image came into her mind. Actually it was a phrase that was repeating itself. You are my Queen.
“You are my Queen,” she murmured opening her eyes.
“I’ve been called many things, but never a queen,” Magnus snorted. “I’m as heterosexual as they come. Make that just sexual.”
“You’re a toad,” Erin felt her eyelids droop.
“And if you so much as think about going back to sleep, I’ll have to kiss you.”
“Yuck, what a horrible thought,” she sighed. “I’ve already got my prince, so I don’t need to kiss a reptile.”
“In that case, I’ll just hurt you. They say the best time to hit someone is when they’re injured.”
“Just a noble race, the Vikings. What are you belly-aching about anyway?” Erin winced as she tried to sit up. Her whole body ached.
“You hit me with Loxhadrin,” he grunted.
“Had I not, I would be sweeping up your ashes and handing them back to Ingrid. I saved your butt, you ungrateful oaf.” She shut her eyes for a moment to get some clarity. “How is Ingrid? Is she back here with her family?”
“Yes, it was a very happy reunion. Her father survived Valkarin.”
Erin couldn’t resist a small chuckle. “You’ve got no more excuses not to marry her now. And as she has experienced the freedom and rights women have in the First Realm, your life is going to be purgatory.”
“I’m beginning to think I should have left you to die from hypothermia back in the woods in Bath. My life would have been so much simpler.”
“You love me really,” she pulled a face.
“Regrettably , I do. Now you have a string of people who want to see you. The first is our King in waiting. He’s delaying taking the throne until you are able to take part in the ceremony.”
As if on cue, Wilhelm rushed into the room. “She is awake?”
“Yes, she is,” Erin responded.
Magnus stood up. “I’ll leave you two. She’s weak, so don’t get her over-excited,” he grinned at Wilhelm.
“Pig,” Erin muttered at his departing figure.
“Brat,” he responded heading out the door.
Wilhelm sat on the side of the bed and took her hand. “You had us all worried. We thought you might never wake.”
“You can’t get rid of me that easily,” she smiled. “How is everything in the kingdom?”
“Calm at last. I gave my father the funeral he deserved, we’ve destroyed Valkarin’s body and Sasha is due to ride to Vasmaar tomorrow to lay Heinrekh to rest.”
“She is still here?”
“Yes. I have been talking with her about appointing a guardian for Vasmaar until her son is eighteen.”
“Who have you selected?”
“I proposed Ingrid’s father. He is loyal and trustworthy. And one of the few members of the High Council who didn’t bow to Valkarin’s rule.”
“And your uncle.”
“Exactly. I know he would have no designs on ruling the territory permanently.”
“I will ride with Sasha tomorrow. I owe it to Heinrekh.”
“You are not yet recovered enough to go.”
“I disagree. Now when is your ceremony?”
“When will you be well enough to join us in the Great Hall?”
“Arrange it for tonight. The citizens need something to celebrate.”
“There will be a banquet after.”
“Good. I’m planning on drinking you under the table.”
Wilhelm laughed. “As if. But you will be sitting to my left hand side.”
“That is your mother’s spot.”
“Once I take the crown, she will no longer be Queen.”
“But…”
“Don’t you ever stop talking,” Wilhelm leant in and kissed her softly. “That spot is reserved for you and you alone.”
“What are you saying?” she could feel her heart thumping.
“I want you as my Queen, Erin. But I’m not brave enough to propose right now. You’d only hurt me.” His kiss was tantalisingly delicious. “I need to let you live first. Experience life. But I hope you will keep returning to my side.”
If he carried on kissing her the way he was, it would be a miracle if she ever left.
Erin had never felt happier watching Wilhelm finally take the crown he so richly deserved. He was adored by the citizens and the remaining soldiers. It would take him a while to rebuild the army, but he had plenty of willing volunteers. But with a long stint of peace in the Realm, they did not need a large force.
Before the banquet, Erin met up with Wilhelm in the Royal Quarters. He looked amazing with the golden band around his head, every inch the young Viking King. She was wearing the same blue dress she wore to the first banquet she had attended.
“I liked you in that the first time round,” Wilhelm ran his eyes over her appreciatively. “I still like it. Although my preference is to have you wearing nothing,” he grinned cheekily.
“I’m certainly not walking butt naked into the banquet hall, King or not,” she gave him a hard look.
“Nor would I want you to,” Wilhelm pulled her to him. “That wondrous sight is for me alone, my love.”
“If you continue misbehaving, Viking,” she ran her hand seductively down his tunic, “we’ll miss the start of your banquet.”
“They can’t start until we appear, the privileges of being King,” he nibbled her ear lobe, his hot breath making her squeal.
“Then we should not keep them waiting.” Erin tried to be the voice of reason but right now another part of her body was attempting to take control.
“You would deny your King?” he murmured seductively.
“You’re not my King,” she responded flatly.
“I hate to remind you, but you are of two Realms.”
“So?”
“So let’s head down to the banquet before you hit me with Loxhadrin.”
“So fearless,” Erin rolled her eye
s.
“Just wise,” he smiled.
The nerves Erin had felt the first time she walked into the banquet hall were back. Wilhelm had a firm hold of her hand as everyone stood for them.
The Realms Unite (Realms Gate) Page 23
