Chapter 27: New Rules

East Anglia

The queens stood by the side of the bed and watched as the caregivers wiped Winfred’s forehead. Sweat seemed to pour non-stop. Her hair was wet. She complained. Oswald held her hand, “Everything is going to be fine,” he assured her but deep in his heart, he was afraid.

“The baby. Our baby. What if?” she questioned with despair.

“Shhh, you can’t think that way.”

The door opened. Yande stepped inside. She saw the worried looks on everyone’s faces, “How is she?” she questioned one of the younger nurses.

“I fear if she doesn’t calm down, she will provoke an early delivery, and the child will not survive.”

Yande nodded and proceeded to the bed. She saw her friend crying, which saddened her; she fought back tears and took a deep breath, “Princess,” she said in a stern calming voice, grabbing Winfred’s attention.

Winfred released Oswald’s hand and reached for Yande. Instantly her spirit felt calm. Her breathing slowly returned to a normal rhythm, and she smiled, “My friend, you’re here.”

“Of course, I am here. I will stay with you the entire night if I must.”

She smiled.

Oswald felt better. His heartbeat resumed its normal cadence. He took a deep breath. He walked to his mother, “I will go speak to father.”

She nodded. They comforted Winfred until she fell asleep.

****

Mercia

What a sight to behold. Merica. The land where he grew up. The land that was destined to be his and now, he was back to claim it. He wore full battle gear as he rode next to King Edwin and Prince Michael.

The King looked right, “Are you ready for this?”

Lord James nodded, “I am, sir.”

Hundreds if not thousands of men were behind them ready to take on the smaller kingdom. Several Mercian guards approached the men, “What is the meaning of this?”

“We are here to offer King Charles an opportunity to step down and go far away from here with his wife.” Replied King Edwin.

The guard nodded, “I’ll go ask the King if he wants to step down.” He and the men turned to walk away. The guard nodded and with that signal, Archers sent arrows zipping through the air. The guards made haste, but a few fell to the arrows of King Edwin’s men. The lead guard ran to find King Charles who was on his throne, “King Edwin, that bastard. I never liked him.”

“That’s not all King Charles, your brother.”

“James?”

“I saw him riding beside the King.”

Word traveled quickly throughout the castle. Lady Darleen learned that her father was among the men. He returned. She made haste finding herself outside of the castle. She ran to her father and dove into his arms, “You’re alive,” she cried.

He stepped back and looked at her. She was now a full-grown woman and beautiful. The prince saw her and smiled.

Lord James spoke, “Yes, I am home and now we can have everything we ever dreamed of. You will be a princess and I will govern these lands under the law of our new King Edwin.”

She nodded, “I am so happy. So very happy. I never thought this day would come.”

“And yet, here we are. What can you tell us?”

She smiled, “Everything.”

*****

The castle was secure. She watched her husband don his battle gear which had not been worn since before they were married. She paced, “Why do you have to fight? Send you men out there to take care of it, think of your son and our child.”

“I will never send my men to fight without my command. All will be well. I promise. Now, I want you to take Prince George and leave. I will send word for you to return.”

She shook her head; tears fell, “I do not wish to leave. I love you, Charles.”

He kissed her mouth, “Please, do as I ask. Protect my son and yourself.”

She watched him leave. She ordered a few caregivers to help her gather some things. They went for the young Prince and prepared to leave.

*****

The same secret corridor she used to exit, she used to guide the King and his men inside. Once they gained access, utter chaos ensued. Blood spurted and painted the walls as servants and guards were taken by surprise.

They found King Charles posted in his court with a few dozen men. He was ready. Lord James emerged from the crowd, “Hello dear brother. Surprised to see me?”

“Do you have any idea how many times I had to convince Father not to put you out of your misery?”

He smirked, “I’m sure it was plenty, which is why I am offering you this chance to leave peacefully and allow me to have what is rightfully mine.”

“You are foolish,” he said as he moved closer, “King Edwin is not to be trusted. You may think he is on your side, but he is a man all about himself.”

King Edwin blushed, “You are far too kind, Charles. Now let’s stop with the games. I am rather bored and would like to return to my home before nightfall.”

James puffed up his chest, “So, brother, what shall it be? You can take your young beautiful wife and go far away from here or I kill you and your son and take her as my wife. Lord knows I owe you for taking such liberties with mine before she died.”

“And the plot thickens,” joked King Edwin.

“You were a wretched old fool who was only concerned with gaining power. You didn’t even listen to her. She was dying. She needed you and you—”

A sword plunged into his belly, blood oozed from his mouth. A cry and scream was heard. Queen Godgifu ran to his aid, “Why? Why? No, no, no, My King. Charles, no. You promised me.”

They watched her despair. Lady Darleen tried to aid her but she pushed her away, “After all we have done for you. You ungrateful wretched little bitch!”

“Be careful how you speak to me, you are no longer a queen. And I am soon to be a princess,” she said before walking off.

Queen Godgifu slipped her husband’s sword from its sheath. She stood and with a yell, she darted for Lord James, but the King’s men grabbed her and took the weapon away.

“What should we do with her?”

“Put her in the dungeon until she calms herself,” said Lord James.

King Edwin smiled, “Looks as if everything is as it should be. You have your land…under my rule of course and your daughter will marry my son as soon as possible.”

*****

Before leaving, King Edwin visited the former Queen in the dungeon. It was dank and dark with only light from a small window. His footsteps sounded against the stone floor and stopped. She looked up and saw him. Handsome. Yet she depside what he had done.

“Lady Godgifu.”

“I am a queen.”

“You were a queen.” He saw her small baby bump and smiled, “You are with child.”

“Are you going to kill my baby?”

He shook his head, “I am not a monster. Nothing like Lord James who killed his brother for land that I have no intention of letting him govern for long. He is not to be trusted.”

“So what was all this about?”

“You are smart and I believe you are resilient. I would love for you to help me run things here in Mercia. In exchange for certain pleasures both you and I will find enjoyable.”

She smiled, “And what will we do with Lord James?”

“Marry him and we will figure out the rest in due time.”

She shuddered, “I can’t bear to think of laying with that man after what he did to my husband.”

She stepped closer to the bars. His hand slipped inside and touched her soft skin. He moved in closer and sniffed her hair, “You are darling. Do your part and soon you will have everything.”

“Except, I won’t be a queen.”

“Who knows…perhaps one day you shall again.”

****

They were tucked away in an old hiding spot in the forest. Pince Michael looked upon her as Darcy stood by her, “We shall have the most exquisite times. I can’t wait.”

Lady Darleen smiled, “I am glad you are of free spirit Pince Michael. And you are every bit as handsome as your father.”

His cheeks blushed red, “Thank you, Lady Darleen. You are quite lovely, and I am eager to make you my wife.”

“Shall the three of us play?” she said seductively before removing her dress.

She ran gleefully filling the air with playful giggles. They removed their clothes and gave chase until they found her in a small cabin. Darcy approached first and kissed her mouth. He lifted her leg. She stopped him, “I want the prince here.”

He nodded and allowed his lover to penetrate. She moaned in delight as the first few strokes were administered, “Oh my goodness Prince Michael, um,” she hummed.

Darcy was not about to sit and watch. He remembered what they used to do when they were younger. He entered her back door. They held her and worked her front and back. Their lustful sounds grew louder with each stroke.

Her head tilted back. There it was, that magical feeling. She groaned with **** pleasure, “I am so very happy.”

“Yes, my future wife, so are we.”

*******

East Anglia

The sky was dark. Everyone had left the sleeping princess hours ago, yet Yande stayed. She watched the princess as she slept. She placed her hand on her belly. And smiled, “You’re going to be alright, aren’t you little girl.”

She felt the child’s energy and her body glowed for a short moment. She stepped back and took a deep breath remembering her love was out there and threats existed. She pulled out a bit of the small lock of hair and went to the window. She placed it there and made utterances. She reached inside her dress and retrieved a small mojo bag that contained black salt and chamomile, “with these herbs and your essence, I cast a spell for your protection. Until you return to me, my love.”

She burned the hair and the herbs together. She watched as the ashes swirled about and flew out the window. “Yande?” she heard. Slowly she turned and witnessed the princess staring at her with questions, “What was that?” she asked.

“I was only praying for Liam’s safe return,” she replied plainly as she walked to the bed. She touched Winfred’s forehead, “Your temperature is down. You should continue resting.”

She touched Yande’s hand, “You are my greatest friend. I mean that.”

Yande pondered. Would it be too much? It could be a risk. “You should rest," she insisted.

“I know that I was on the verge of losing my child today. Then you touched me suddenly, my body relaxed, and I felt at ease. There was a gentle energy that flowed through me. It’s hard to explain. I have read stories, tales, and accounts about those who have healing powers.”

She chuckled uneasily, “Those are just stories. I am sure you know that even if a person could do those things and others found out, it would be the beginning of a terrible end for the person who had those gifts. Even being acquainted with such a person could be considered an act of heresy.”

Winfred nodded and smiled, “You are still my greatest friend, and I would do any and everything I could to protect you.”

A tear fell from Yande’s eye, “Thank you. And I, you, Princess Winfred.”

****

He rode swiftly. His family depended on him, and he was not going to fail. It wouldn’t be long. He knew those paths. He had ridden them many times. Yet he didn’t know that there were vagabonds in the forest. They danced wildly around a pit of fire making ululating sounds. Some were engaged in naughty acts. Their sweaty bodies pressed together as others danced about wailing while flicking specks of blood onto them.

Distracted by the sight, Prince Liam didn’t see the makeshift pile of leaves, as soon as the horse's hooves struck the ground, it gave way, and the horse fell into a hole. Liam leaped up and grabbed onto a branch. His body dangled. He looked down. Could I make it? He wondered.

He heard the horse’s cries from below. He swung back and forth until he built up enough momentum and jumped. “Oof,” he grumbled as his body hit the dirt and pile of leaves. He lay there amazed that nothing was broken. He smiled but soon his smile turned into concern when he saw that he was surrounded by a dozen or so of half-nude women all eyeing him like a piece of steak and they had not eaten in months.

They pointed knives at him. He pleaded, “You must not harm me. I am on official business for the King.”

“We do not serve your King. We are our own people,” she said as she kneeled and touched him.

He moved her hand, “Do not.”

“Tie him up and bring him to the camp. He will make an excellent ****.”

*****

A hut. Dark, objects hung from the ceiling. He lay in the middle of a straw bed naked. She stared at his member and smiled, “You are blessed.”

He struggled and pleaded with her to let him free, “Please, no…don’t do this. I am betrothed. I love another.”

She cackled, “Interesting…are you telling me that I have found one of the few men in all the land without a wandering cock?”

Just as she was about to mount him, her stomach churned. She threw up all over the dusty floor. She crawled out of the hut and saw her old friend, “What are you doing here?” she asked as she wiped her mouth. She reached for a cup and poured some water.

“You look awful old friend. Sitting on one too many cocks has gotten your split a little ill? I have a remedy for that.”

She finished the water and suddenly felt better, “I would not have to sit on as many cocks, if you had simply left the one I had alone.”

She sucked her teeth, “Henry was not interested in staying here with all this. He likes stability. We have that.”

“Then if you’re happy together, why have you returned?”

“I have not returned to this. I was merely passing by when I heard you all carrying on like wild beasts. I thought I’d stop by and say hello. To see if you needed anything.” She opened her coat and showed several herbs.

Just as she was about to inspect the product, they were interrupted, “Help, help, someone!” they heard.

Elanor looked past her shoulder and who do you have trapped this time? A fisherman, a hunter, a poor little farm boy?”

She grinned, “Some handsome man with a sizeable cock. He stated he was on business for the king. I found him in the woods.”

“Still up to your old tricks. Digging holes to catch men.”

We don’t all possess your wit or charm. Now leave me to my business.” She walked into the hut.

Elanor followed her. She froze when she saw him. She knew, “Or you are mad, you have no idea who that is do you?”

“He’s about to be mine if I can just,” she said as she attempted to get into bed again, but her body froze and she could not move, “what are you doing to me, witch?”

Elanor sprang into action, she cut the ropes and tossed Liam his clothes. He dressed himself quickly and they fled.

****

They slipped through the woods until they were in the village where Elanor lived, “You are free now, Prince Liam.”

“How can I ever thank you?”

“Be more careful in the woods.”

He chuckled, “You remind me of someone.”

She smiled, “I am certain.”

“A woman I met not long ago. She changed my life. She still holds a special place in my heart.”

“I am flattered. But you and I could never be.”

He chuckled, “Of course not. I am to be married soon.”

She nodded, “Good for you. She must be special.”

His face glowed, “Indeed.” As happy as he was to be free, he couldn’t help but wonder about the people in the forest, “Who were those people?”

“We call them vagabonds. They travel from town to town and practice their rituals. Mostly in secret for obvious reasons.

“I wonder what happened to her. Are you one of them? She called you—”

“I am not a witch. I am a healer. I make teas, balms, and other things from the earth to keep people well. Some things I make take them to an alternate reality. That’s not witchcraft.”

He scoffed, “However, it is illicit.”

“Oh, brother don’t be such a prude. We all need an escape from time to time.”

“Brother?”

“You know what I mean…brother in Christ and all that. I should hope to be invited to your wedding.”

“Of course. I’ll find you. Thank you again, sister. I am forever in your gratitude. Would you happen to have a horse?”

She chuckled, “Not really, but I can help you acquire one.”

They walked over to a man who was drunk off his ass. He stared at Elanor, “If it isn’t the prettiest maiden in the village.”

She smirked, “Oh Conrad, you are too kind. You mind if our good friend here borrows your horse?”

“Borrow, what if he never returns it? I’ll need a bit coin for my prized possession.”

Liam sighed, “Unfortunately, I do not have any coins on me today. However, your King would gladly repay you for assisting me.”

He smiled a grimy smile, “Then the horse is yours, and you are?”

“Prince Liam. His son.” He hopped on the horse.

She looked up at him, “Is the King well?”

“For now. However, we did have a fight with a group of Northmen who attacked us last night and my family on the road earlier.”

She nodded, “May your God keep you.”

He smiled, “Thank you.”

****

North Umbria

Home sweet, castle. He arrived. He was greeted by Aethbald, “You’ve returned and where are the others?”

“I am afraid they are stowed away in East Anglia.”

Liam gave orders to one of their workers to return the horse to the village in the morning. He and Aethelbald entered the castle, “What happened?” he asked with confusion.

“We were attacked by the Northmen. My father wants the army to accompany him in East Anglia. We will fight.”

He nodded, “We most certainly will.”

As Liam made haste to his chambers, he was confronted by Abigale who was sporting a full belly, “Where is Oswald?”

“In East Anglia still. We have matters to resolve before our return.”

She went into her pocket and pulled out a letter, “Would you give this to him? When he’s alone of course. I do miss him terribly.”

He sighed, “I don’t think it is a good idea.”

“Please, Liam. I am begging you.”

He took the letter, placed it inside his trousers, and left.

*****

Just as they were leaving the castle to march on to East Anglia, they saw a man approaching with a young boy. Aethelbald said, “Who is that?”

Liam stared and his eyes couldn’t believe what he was seeing, “Prince George?”

The child ran toward him, “Prince Liam.”

The man approached, “I found this young lad. The people he was traveling with were slain. There was a note attached to him stating to bring him here to be with his sister Princess Winfred.”

“Thank you, please take the child inside and have one of our men reward you.”

“Reward is of no concern. I would love to accompany you. I have always wanted to be a soldier in the King's guard.”

Aethelbald scoffed, “One does not just become a soldier. Do you have any experience? You could die.”

He nodded, “I understand that **** is a hazard and I am willing to take on that risk. I am willing. Allow me to join your numbers.”

“And who are you?”

“My name is Warwick.”

“Very well then Warwick, if you are prepared to fight, you will march with us.”

*****

He sat at the table in his new office having wine when she was brought in. They left her standing. She wore the same dress with her husband’s blood stains. Her hair was tussled. She stared at him. He clasped his fingers, “So then former Queen of Mercia are we to be wed?”

“I have some conditions.”

He listened as she provided her demands, “I am with child. My child is not to be harmed and I will care for him or her myself with those whom I’ve chosen.”

“Very well. The child must not know that Charles was their father.”

She nodded, “I will have a separate bed chamber. You will not come to my bed unless you are invited. And you will only be invited when I am ready.”

“He nodded, then you will understand that if I am eager to be pleased waiting for an invitation that may not arrive could result in me finding pleasures elsewhere.”

She nodded, “I am fine with that.”

He smiled, “We have a deal.”

Just as she was about to leave, he stopped her, “No one can ever know that I killed Charles.”

“But everyone saw it.”

“Did they?”

“The servants I sent with Prince George know what happened. Surely, they will speak on it.”

He shook his head, “They were taken care of. As far as everyone knows…the dear king suffered after being thrown from his horse and later succumbed to his injuries. His poor wife was so distraught that she sought the advice of King Edwin and there she found her long-lost brother-in-law…Lord James who graciously offered to step in on his brother’s behalf under the new rule of King Edwin.”

Inside she burned. She nodded, “As you wish, Lord James.”

“Thank you, Lady Godgifu.”