The Queen's Command

Maddoc Caddon, the true King of Calumbria, looked over the balcony off his bedroom in the summer palace of Calumbria. The first signs of spring were all around. The snow had melted away. The trees were regaining their leaves, and the grass on their small island had started to turn green. The wind off the ocean still held a bite, but it was much more bearable to be outside.

His thoughts shifted to Quinlan. It would be time for the spring planting, and the village would be busy. He always hated spring because it meant most of his friends who were lords would be busy with their fathers learning about their lands. The young women would be engaged with lessons and fittings for new spring and summer gowns, and Maddoc would have little companionship.

How different his life was now. The things that were once so important to him seemed so frivolous. A year ago, all he wanted was to drink and laugh with his friends before bedding attractive women. He ignored his kingdom, leaving the work of his position to his mother and his uncle. He thought at the time he enjoyed his life, but now he saw how empty it was.

He looked back towards the bedroom, seeing the large bed against the far wall. Still asleep amongst all its covers lay the reason his whole life had changed. He quietly said her name to himself, “Anwen.”

After being attacked outside her palace, Anwen saw to his safety and healing. When her aunt refused to give him shelter, she pledged to take him back to his kingdom. On their journey, she saved his life numerous times while placing her own in danger. She spent time teaching him what it meant to truly lead a kingdom. She told him the truth even when he didn’t want to hear it.

He quickly fell in love with her, and now he couldn’t imagine his life without her. He almost lost her a little over two months ago, and she was still feeling some of the effects of her injuries. Little by little, she was getting better. Whatever her aunt had given her to subdue her had started to wear off. Her wound had finally healed, and her strength had begun to come back. He was glad to see the sparkle back in her eyes when she talked with him. She was able to stay up longer in the day and even go for short walks on their island.

Soon, she would be fully healed, and though Maddoc wanted her well, he dreaded what it would mean. She would wish to go back to Quinlan and Lucidala. She would want to secure their kingdoms and crowns. He knew she was right, but the thought that she could be hurt again or worse was too much. He was so tempted to run away with her, to convince her to leave the land with him. A quiet life with Anwen by his side sounded much better than one where she was continually in danger.

Maddoc turned and walked back into the bedroom. Going to the bed, he lay back down and took Anwen into his arms. He hated to wake her but was desperate to hold her. Due to her injury and exhaustion, he could not express his love for her as he usually would. He wanted her to be completely healed and well, but he missed making love to her.

She gave a slight sigh as she burrowed into him. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. Things were not ideal in Maddoc’s life. There was so much wrong and uncertain, but as he held Anwen against him and kissed her tenderly, he found himself content.