Chapter 72 Decisions
The royal castle.
While the two royal court meetings were taking place, the castle corridors were filled with guards and servants. The order of the Count of Arms was carried out immediately. The royal guard and the warriors of Isla Oveja prepared to counteract any intervention by forces from other noble houses. More than one fight erupted.
The quarters of the servants and the kitchens were guarded by royal and city guards. Soldiers loyal to Peador and Marisela patrolled part of the east wing of the castle to ensure the safety of nobles and servants alike. The castle was divided by tabards, banners, and allegiances.
The Blue Knights ordered the guards approaching the royal stables to withdraw. In the common stables, some knights fought with their fists and occasionally with swords. The company captains subdued most of them without causing serious injury.
The war veterans knew that battles were coming. The newcomers were nervous, but they thought of glory and honor. Those who had already killed and witnessed war thought of blood, broken bones, and violence that minds should never know.
The servants chose their places with a mixture of fear and hope. Almost all those who wore banners on their clothing moved closer to their masters, where there were armed men and greater security. Few common servants made the same decision. Years of service beneath a petulant king and his supporters had foster great distrust of guards and soldiers.
In the bedroom of Melina and her daughters.
Juana: We cannot live near the herald. I think it is better to stay here.
Melina: Of course. I do not want us to be near any men. We need to stay hidden.
Juana: Mama, not all men are bad. Our father was a good man, you said so.
Melina: They are good if you do what they want. But if you do not serve them on your back or on your knees, they will take whatever they want.
Alicia: Mama, that is not true. The captain is a good man. There are many who are not like the herald.
Melina slapped her youngest daughter with the back of her hand. Alicia looked at her mother in disbelief. Juana stood in front of her sister and stared at Melina.
Juana: Mama! You have never hit us like this before. What were you thinking? Alicia did nothing wrong.
Melina: I am sorry! I do not know why I did it! Alicia, my child!
Arturo in a cold voice: Do not ever touch her again!
The three of them turned to look at the boy who was pointing his dagger at Melina. His face was red with anger and tears were streaming down his face.
Alicia spoke in a calm voice: Arturo, please do not hurt my mother. She did not mean to hit me. She is a kind woman. Please, we lost our father when we were young. We do not want to lose our mother too. Please Arturo.
The young man lowered the dagger and wept even more. He was breathing heavily, and loud gasps escaped his lips. He opened his hand and the dagger fell to the ground. He ran the few steps to Alicia and hugged her. His face rested on her shoulder and his tears became a torrent.
Juana approached her mother and they hugged. Each cried for many minutes. Finally, the women and the child calmed down. Alicia led the child to a chair and poured him a cup of tea.
Juana looked at her mother in the eyes: Are you okay, Mama?
Melina, in a weak voice: I think so. I am sorry for you, I am sorry for my baby. I am sorry for this brave boy. I failed you all.
Juana: Okay. Come with me. We will have some tea and decide what to do.
The eldest daughter approached the table. The mother picked up the dagger and examined the dried bloodstains.
Melina: I need to clean the blade of your dagger before the blood causes permanent damage.
Sunlight filtered through the small windows of the room, and the woman could see her eyes reflected in the steel blade of the dagger. Dark thoughts began to torment her.
The royal court.
Esteban: Olivia is the daughter of the deceased king. If anything else matters to you, it is a sign that you are a traitor to the throne.
Esteban placed his gold coin with the other four for Olivia.
Guillermo took out the last two coins and gave them to the Lady of Colina Gemelas and to Heinrich: Marisela, you are of a higher rank in the court. Would you like to speak first?
Marisela: No, please, sir.
Heinrich looked at his coin for a few seconds: I am very proud of my nephew. He has honor and courage.
The blond man placed the coin in the hand of the count.
Wulfhelm took a deep breath: Puerto Blanco suffered under the father of Olivia. My father rebelled to help our people, but many died because of him. There are those who want to believe I am a traitor like my father. But children are not their parents. She is not her father no more than I am mine.
The young man placed his coin with the others in front of the empty chair.
Marisela looked at her lover for a few seconds. She stood up and bent over the table, dropping her coin in with the others for Olivia. She remained on the table for a long second, staring with burning eyes at the herald. She saw the fear in them and smiled.
The large man moved his hand slowly and took his coin from the table and placed it with the other seven. He avoided the eyes of Valero.
Guillermo: By decision of the royal court, Olivia of Costa Lunas, daughter of Aloisio of Costa Lunas and of Colinas Gemelas and Greta, born a commoner, will be queen of Costa Lunas and its inhabitants. I suggest we announce the coronation immediately and perform it as soon as the nobles can be assembled.