The Secluded Queen, page 28
The morning came faster than Veronica had wanted. She woke to the red, smoky sunrise shooting an ominous glow into her bedchamber. She rubbed the sand from her eyes, pushed the heavy covers off, stretched, and sat up on the edge of her bed. She sat there for a few minutes, gazing out the window, trying to clear the fog of sleep from her mind.
It looks as though the entire world is ablaze.
In reality, the Queen’s entire world was ablaze. The tiny home she had carved out of the world, where she had felt peace and joy, the only place where she could be herself, was now gone. The fire raging in the Forever Green Forest was a constant reminder of her loss. The memory was very fresh and still very painful.
If I don’t do something, and quickly, I do not doubt that the Castle Myra will be burned to the ground as well.
Veronica hadn’t chosen to be the Queen of Anatolia. Her father had forced her into her marriage to King Edward and had abandoned her to face her new life alone.
All to make a little more money.
Veronica grimaced at the knowledge that her own father had only seen her as a pawn in his little trading career, and that he somehow cared more for his ships and his company than about his own daughter. Now, with Edward gone, she was like a fish out of water, without the knowledge that she would normally have if she had been raised as a royal. There was no doubt that she enjoyed solitude, and while she had been thrust into the life of a Queen after marrying Edward, while he was alive, she could still slip away from the social demands of castle life and find a place to be alone. That all changed after Edward’s death. I am now the leader of Anatolia, and all decisions of import must go through me. She sighed and slumped her shoulders like the weight of the world was bearing down on them. How exhausting, but I am strong enough to handle it.
Am I, though? I couldn’t protect my homestead from a few soldiers. It was disheartening to know how powerless she was. The feeling of defeat from losing her tiny home still disparaged her confidence. Though she had labored hard and had put everything she had into creating a little world that she could feel joy in, a life that she could call her own, it all had been burned down around her. She had been so powerless to stop the flames- flames that seemed as chaotic as the war god Urartu himself.
Veronica mourned her lost home and couldn’t stay the unyielding thoughts and feelings that battered her mind and soul. The memories of the simplicity of her life at her homestead made the complexities of being Queen daunting. Her routine, that pattern that she had based her entire existence around, ran through her head over and over again, while tears streamed down her cheeks. Everything here, now, felt meaningless compared with those joyous memories. What should I do now? Ring for Caroline? So, she can come to spy on me, fake caring for me, then mock me to the rest of the servants the moment she is able? I need to continue to gain power so I will not be faced with another rebellion. They only challenged my rule because they perceived me as weak. I will not let that happen again.
The constant dependence on her servants to provide for her created a feeling that her life was not her own, that she had no actual stake in her existence. Veronica sighed and then fell back into her bed, exasperated. The truth is that I have nothing to wear and nothing to do. My precious tea set is now unicorn glass, my cabin is now unicorn glass, and my homestead has been burned to ashes. Try as she may, Veronica couldn’t find the good in her current situation. She felt lethargic, melancholy, and useless, which is hardly how a Queen should feel.
She mustered the will to push herself out of the bed and, upon seeing Amaryllis, had the inkling to give her a hug. Her friend was still slumbering on the floor, her chest rising and falling peacefully. Her coat was still dirty from the skirmish with the High Councilmen. Veronica swelled with a strong sense of gratitude towards her mystical companion, and for her many sacrifices on her behalf. I never would have made it to my cabin alive without her help. I never would have learned of Sargon and the threat of his army without her. She risked her own life by taking me for that second ride, using herself as bait to draw the coward out of hiding. I would have been dead two times over without her power. I judged her harshly for not helping me sabotage those supply wagons. I assumed the worst when she had left me at the tower. Frustrating as it is that she abandoned me, I still owe her my life.
On five separate occasions, Amaryllis had put her own life on the line to save or help Veronica and the kingdom of Anatolia. Without Amaryllis’ help, a quick and easy fall of Anatolia to Sargon would have been guaranteed, and all would have been lost. She had done it for me, Anatolia, and to serve her people. It could not have been easy, and she must have felt incredibly alone. What a burden to bear! Veronica didn’t think any longer, and she didn’t wait for her friend to wake up. She knelt, completely bare, and wrapped her arms around the Mythical Creature and gave her a squeeze. A warmness and a feeling of exhilaration, just as she had felt on her rides, filled her heart. Her grief about the home and friends that she had lost magically melted away and, astonishingly, left her feeling like a new woman. She felt motivated, strong, and brave. When she sat up from the hug, Amaryllis was looking at her, smiling.
The moment was interrupted by a brisk knock at the door, followed by the voice of Caroline. “Queen Veronica, I have brought your breakfast, tea, and the dressmaker.”
Veronica, suddenly feeling very awkward and exposed, tried to straighten her hair and look as royal as possible. She sighed, mouthed “Thank you” to her friend, and then answered Caroline. “You may enter.”
The door opened fully to reveal the incredibly tall Caroline holding another silver platter, her hair falling loosely around her shoulders, with a headscarf tied over the crown of her head. When Caroline laid eyes on the Queen’s new form, her eyes filled with envy, and darted from the top of Veronica’s head to her toes. She was accompanied by a small, frumpy woman with hair in a tight bun, small blue eyes, a round face, and wearing the most magnificent dress Veronica had ever seen. The fabric was the truest color of lavender, with a delicate floral design stretching from top to bottom, wide shoulder straps, a neckline that was the perfect balance between promiscuity and prudishness, and was finished by the dress flowing out beautifully at the bottom. The woman looked incredibly serious, and, upon seeing the Queen dressed in nothing but her own skin, immediately charged into the room, nearly knocking Caroline over, pushed Veronica’s chin up, and began rapidly wrapping a string around her body in various places, jotting down measurements on a small piece of paper.
Her voice was smooth as butter, with a soft hint of foreign accent. “I have been a dressmaker for many years, but this is the first time I have encountered a naked Queen, no? I see dresses within reach, but it seems a too large of dress would not do?”
Veronica blushed. She probably could have worn the dresses that were much too big for her, but she appeared so much more collected and able in her well-fitted armor. “I would rather wear nothing than an ill-fitted dress.”
The woman chuckled. “I have the same tastes as you, it seems. Much better to wear nothing than a dress too big!”
Veronica smiled, deciding she liked this woman. “What is your name, dressmaker?”
“Ruth Tejido, at your service.”
While Ruth rapidly measured her entire body, Caroline was zipping around the room, placing Veronica’s breakfast, making the bed, dusting the furniture, removing the old dresses from the wardrobe, and laying them on the bed as she worked. The sight of the gargantuan woman made Veronica feel on edge, irritated, and hateful. Everything she did seemed duplicitous to Veronica.
If I am to commit to my destiny of being Queen, I must eliminate any and all who are disloyal to me. I refuse to be greeted by this woman every morning. This ends today.
Amaryllis was also watching Caroline closely, wearing a blank expression, and seemed annoyed by Caroline’s bustling about. To Veronica’s amusement, when Caroline attempted to dust the mantle behind the unicorn, Amaryllis snorted loudly. She gnashed her teeth in a snarl, and her horn coursed with light menacingly. Amaryllis stood up, lowered her horn, and looked like she would skewer the woman without further consideration.
Caroline froze and slowly backed away from Amaryllis. Veronica had to stifle a laugh at the sight of the enormous secret-spilling, rumor-starting, careless rat of a woman looking terrified. Something did bother her, however. A snort from a horse indicated a threat was spotted. Veronica wasn’t sure if this horse’s body language transferred to unicorns, but it made her wonder: Is Caroline more of a threat than just a gossip? She needs to be removed from her position at once. She simply can not be trusted.
Veronica, now holding her arms extended out to her sides because of the directions from Ruth, was able to catch Caroline’s fear-filled eyes with her own. The Queen felt a little apprehensive about what would come next; she wasn’t heartless after all, but it had to be done. When she spoke, she masked the emotion in her voice, keeping it flat and thoughtful. “It seems that my friend from the forest does not like you.”
Caroline had backed closer to the door and looked like she was ready to bolt. The woman looked like her life was flashing before her eyes. Caroline cautiously shook her head. “N-no, my Queen.”
Veronica nodded and immediately received a hiss to hold still from Ruth. “This will be a problem. I intend to have Amaryllis by my side for the foreseeable future, and I cannot be held responsible for anything that might happen to you if you were to cross her. If an incident were to occur between you and Amaryllis, it would damage my image with the castle’s servants. This cannot happen. At this time, your employment with me has ended, and I will begin interviewing for a replacement handmaid at once.”
Caroline’s eyes grew even wider, though they had been wide as saucers before. It was as if, in that moment, she forgot the unicorn was there, and the idea of losing her employment was more terrifying than Amaryllis’ horn. She clasped her hands together in front of her and dashed to the foot of the Queen, shaking her hands vigorously, begging Veronica that this need not be so. “No, my Queen, you need not concern yourself with me. It brings me immense pleasure to serve you...”
Veronica signaled with her hands for Caroline to stop. “Your pleasure is not of my concern. I will always feel worried for your safety, and that will be distracting.”
Caroline’s jaw began to tremble, and her eyes began filling with tears. “My Queen, I beg you to let me stay. My wages are the only means for me to provide for my family. If I am no longer in your hire, I fear we might starve.”
The Queen felt a twinge of pity for the woman, but she knew that there was nothing that she could possibly do to repair the trust between them. She needed to eliminate anyone who was not trustworthy, and she needed to surround herself with those who respected her. This was war, and espionage was real. She knew there were enemy agents hidden among her servants; who they were and whether they served Sargon or the High Council, she was not sure. Deep and painful memories resurfaced of the embarrassment of being heralded as a traitor and a disloyal wife to King Edward, the damaging and dangerous rumor leaking to all who were within earshot of the castle. The repressed fury, fermenting within her soul for nearly a month, augmented by the grief over her late husband and King, boiled in her veins. “Oh, you are worried about your family, are you? I was as well, for quite some time after your betrayal, but no longer. Perhaps you should have considered your family before you spread falsehoods about my potential suitor, Alfonso?”
The color drained from her skin, and tears began running down her cheeks as she realized that Veronica knew of her deceit. “Betrayal, oh! No, your majesty, I would never...”
The Queen backhanded Caroline with as much strength as she could muster from her sore, aching arms. Caroline cried out in pain and fell backward away from Veronica, her nose bleeding profusely and her face bearing the outline of the Queen’s hand and lacerations where the Queen’s rough nails had cut into her skin. “Still, you are duplicitous! There is nothing you can say, nothing you can do, to restore your integrity in my eyes. I am a mockery to the servants here because of you! You jeopardized my rule. You are lucky that I do not end you like I did Frederick William.”
While Caroline cradled her damaged face with a shaking hand, Veronica realized that firing her would cause innocents to starve. I do not want to be held responsible for a child dying. Caroline’s daughter is not at fault; her mother was the untrustworthy imp. The child should not have to suffer for the sins of her mother. But where can I employ Caroline? Where can I put her that would cause her the most discomfort?
At once, she knew. “I do not wish to have the image of your family starving to death on my conscience. You will remain employed in the Castle stables. They will need someone of your stature to bridle our large warhorses soon enough, and if your arms can move as much dung as your lips can, you will feel right at home there. If it is wages you are concerned about, I know the stable master. He recognizes good work and rewards the dependable handsomely.”
Caroline broke down and began to sob into her hands.
Veronica pointed at the door. “Please leave my bedchamber before something bad happens to you. Oh, and you may want to find a way to plug your nose at your new position. I hear the stench can be rather unbearable.”
Caroline gave a small, clumsy curtsy and fled the room, slamming the door open, which closed again on its own behind her. Veronica was able to catch a glimpse of Sir Richard, looking as bewildered as always. I am not the same Queen that fled the castle. I am no longer a timid girl but a confident woman and a mighty Queen. Perhaps Caroline will spread the message to her beloved servant friends that I will not be trifled with.
Ruth seemed to have finished her measurements and silently made some final notes. When this was completed, she gathered up the dresses that Caroline had left out on the bed in her arms. “It will be a shame to let these beauties be wasted, no? Would you have me reshape them to fit your new form?”
Veronica liked how the dressmaker referred to her body as a transformation, a new form. She regarded the dresses carefully, not wanting to offend the woman who very well could have crafted them to begin with. “They are beautiful dresses, but I do not want to be remembered as I was in the past. Please distribute them to those who are less fortunate and could use them.”
Ruth smiled. “Very wise and caring, Queen Veronica.” She glanced after Caroline, thoughtful. “It was wise and caring to treat the young woman the way you did. I do not know what transpired between you in the past, but to lose your employment is every working woman’s fear. It is good that her family will not be left destitute.”
Veronica nodded in agreement. She had not always been a royal, and she had seen what became of desperate women. The Ten Great Cities’ streets were lined with those women, either haggard and homeless or forced to commit acts that disgraced them. Caroline was a gossip, but she did not deserve that fate. A man unemployed could still provide, but a woman unemployed had few options available to her.
“In my shop, I have a dress that only needs slight adjustments to fit you, my Queen. How do you feel about gold?”
“I never truly considered it. What I desire is a dress that projects power and confidence. If that dress will meet those requirements, the color does not matter to me.”
Ruth grinned. “It will, my Queen, and so much more. The gold will be a stark contrast to the jade that ornaments your castle. The fabric is light and supple, allowing free movement. Because your form is so strong, a corset will not be required to create femininity, yet the dress will remain in its proper place. It will please you, my Queen.”
“You have served me well, Ruth Tejido. When can I expect the dress to be delivered?”
“The gold, one hour. The rest, two days minimum. My latest shipment of fabric from The Orient has not yet arrived, and I fear bandits have been involved. I will need time to procure the finest fabrics for our finest Queen.”
Veronica’s countenance fell. “You are correct. Your shipment has been stolen from you. If you cannot procure more fabric, I will make do with the gold dress. I know it will meet my expectations.”
The woman scowled and shook her head. “These brigands grow bolder every day.” She bowed and backed towards the door. “But with our fine Queen heading Anatolia once more, they will meet their fate in the end.” She bowed again and left the room, carrying Veronica’s entire wardrobe with her.
Her breakfast was cold, but the bread and butter still filled her belly. There was a fruitcake on the platter for Amaryllis as well. Veronica was starting to feel out of sorts, having been completely naked for such a long time. It will be good to have something to wear that fits her station.
The gold dress was delivered to her surprisingly fast and was exotic and breathtaking. Sir Richard must have overheard the conversation with Caroline, or Ruth had mentioned her need to the servants, as there were several women sent to her bedchamber to temporarily fill the vacancy of handmaid without the Queen needing any direction to do so. The women, after carefully helping Veronica into the dress, were utterly smitten by its beauty. It was modern, with a beautiful shade of beige, embroidered head to toe with gold diamond shapes, a square neckline that clung to her breasts and her shoulders, perfectly exposing her front and her back, long sleeves, and the body of the dress flowed down far enough to barely brush the floor. The sleeves were lined with a deep blood-red lace, stitched loose enough that her skin was visible underneath. The fabric had the softest feel, was light, and offered her a full range of motion. A matching pair of golden shoes was also delivered, which astonishingly fit her feet. It was as if the dress had been initially designed for her, and it made Veronica feel as she looked: powerful.
When she exited the room, Sir Richard’s jaw nearly hit the floor at the sight of her, and he looked extremely nervous. “You look completely brilliant, my Queen.”
Veronica smiled at him and began heading down the stairwell. Amaryllis had not yet started in on her breakfast and remained behind to do so. “Please accompany me to the Goddess Mother’s altar. I wish to worship and visit with my old friend, Paivo. I also require my armor delivered to my bedchamber. I commanded it be polished and returned by morning, and it has yet to arrive.”
It looks as though the entire world is ablaze.
In reality, the Queen’s entire world was ablaze. The tiny home she had carved out of the world, where she had felt peace and joy, the only place where she could be herself, was now gone. The fire raging in the Forever Green Forest was a constant reminder of her loss. The memory was very fresh and still very painful.
If I don’t do something, and quickly, I do not doubt that the Castle Myra will be burned to the ground as well.
Veronica hadn’t chosen to be the Queen of Anatolia. Her father had forced her into her marriage to King Edward and had abandoned her to face her new life alone.
All to make a little more money.
Veronica grimaced at the knowledge that her own father had only seen her as a pawn in his little trading career, and that he somehow cared more for his ships and his company than about his own daughter. Now, with Edward gone, she was like a fish out of water, without the knowledge that she would normally have if she had been raised as a royal. There was no doubt that she enjoyed solitude, and while she had been thrust into the life of a Queen after marrying Edward, while he was alive, she could still slip away from the social demands of castle life and find a place to be alone. That all changed after Edward’s death. I am now the leader of Anatolia, and all decisions of import must go through me. She sighed and slumped her shoulders like the weight of the world was bearing down on them. How exhausting, but I am strong enough to handle it.
Am I, though? I couldn’t protect my homestead from a few soldiers. It was disheartening to know how powerless she was. The feeling of defeat from losing her tiny home still disparaged her confidence. Though she had labored hard and had put everything she had into creating a little world that she could feel joy in, a life that she could call her own, it all had been burned down around her. She had been so powerless to stop the flames- flames that seemed as chaotic as the war god Urartu himself.
Veronica mourned her lost home and couldn’t stay the unyielding thoughts and feelings that battered her mind and soul. The memories of the simplicity of her life at her homestead made the complexities of being Queen daunting. Her routine, that pattern that she had based her entire existence around, ran through her head over and over again, while tears streamed down her cheeks. Everything here, now, felt meaningless compared with those joyous memories. What should I do now? Ring for Caroline? So, she can come to spy on me, fake caring for me, then mock me to the rest of the servants the moment she is able? I need to continue to gain power so I will not be faced with another rebellion. They only challenged my rule because they perceived me as weak. I will not let that happen again.
The constant dependence on her servants to provide for her created a feeling that her life was not her own, that she had no actual stake in her existence. Veronica sighed and then fell back into her bed, exasperated. The truth is that I have nothing to wear and nothing to do. My precious tea set is now unicorn glass, my cabin is now unicorn glass, and my homestead has been burned to ashes. Try as she may, Veronica couldn’t find the good in her current situation. She felt lethargic, melancholy, and useless, which is hardly how a Queen should feel.
She mustered the will to push herself out of the bed and, upon seeing Amaryllis, had the inkling to give her a hug. Her friend was still slumbering on the floor, her chest rising and falling peacefully. Her coat was still dirty from the skirmish with the High Councilmen. Veronica swelled with a strong sense of gratitude towards her mystical companion, and for her many sacrifices on her behalf. I never would have made it to my cabin alive without her help. I never would have learned of Sargon and the threat of his army without her. She risked her own life by taking me for that second ride, using herself as bait to draw the coward out of hiding. I would have been dead two times over without her power. I judged her harshly for not helping me sabotage those supply wagons. I assumed the worst when she had left me at the tower. Frustrating as it is that she abandoned me, I still owe her my life.
On five separate occasions, Amaryllis had put her own life on the line to save or help Veronica and the kingdom of Anatolia. Without Amaryllis’ help, a quick and easy fall of Anatolia to Sargon would have been guaranteed, and all would have been lost. She had done it for me, Anatolia, and to serve her people. It could not have been easy, and she must have felt incredibly alone. What a burden to bear! Veronica didn’t think any longer, and she didn’t wait for her friend to wake up. She knelt, completely bare, and wrapped her arms around the Mythical Creature and gave her a squeeze. A warmness and a feeling of exhilaration, just as she had felt on her rides, filled her heart. Her grief about the home and friends that she had lost magically melted away and, astonishingly, left her feeling like a new woman. She felt motivated, strong, and brave. When she sat up from the hug, Amaryllis was looking at her, smiling.
The moment was interrupted by a brisk knock at the door, followed by the voice of Caroline. “Queen Veronica, I have brought your breakfast, tea, and the dressmaker.”
Veronica, suddenly feeling very awkward and exposed, tried to straighten her hair and look as royal as possible. She sighed, mouthed “Thank you” to her friend, and then answered Caroline. “You may enter.”
The door opened fully to reveal the incredibly tall Caroline holding another silver platter, her hair falling loosely around her shoulders, with a headscarf tied over the crown of her head. When Caroline laid eyes on the Queen’s new form, her eyes filled with envy, and darted from the top of Veronica’s head to her toes. She was accompanied by a small, frumpy woman with hair in a tight bun, small blue eyes, a round face, and wearing the most magnificent dress Veronica had ever seen. The fabric was the truest color of lavender, with a delicate floral design stretching from top to bottom, wide shoulder straps, a neckline that was the perfect balance between promiscuity and prudishness, and was finished by the dress flowing out beautifully at the bottom. The woman looked incredibly serious, and, upon seeing the Queen dressed in nothing but her own skin, immediately charged into the room, nearly knocking Caroline over, pushed Veronica’s chin up, and began rapidly wrapping a string around her body in various places, jotting down measurements on a small piece of paper.
Her voice was smooth as butter, with a soft hint of foreign accent. “I have been a dressmaker for many years, but this is the first time I have encountered a naked Queen, no? I see dresses within reach, but it seems a too large of dress would not do?”
Veronica blushed. She probably could have worn the dresses that were much too big for her, but she appeared so much more collected and able in her well-fitted armor. “I would rather wear nothing than an ill-fitted dress.”
The woman chuckled. “I have the same tastes as you, it seems. Much better to wear nothing than a dress too big!”
Veronica smiled, deciding she liked this woman. “What is your name, dressmaker?”
“Ruth Tejido, at your service.”
While Ruth rapidly measured her entire body, Caroline was zipping around the room, placing Veronica’s breakfast, making the bed, dusting the furniture, removing the old dresses from the wardrobe, and laying them on the bed as she worked. The sight of the gargantuan woman made Veronica feel on edge, irritated, and hateful. Everything she did seemed duplicitous to Veronica.
If I am to commit to my destiny of being Queen, I must eliminate any and all who are disloyal to me. I refuse to be greeted by this woman every morning. This ends today.
Amaryllis was also watching Caroline closely, wearing a blank expression, and seemed annoyed by Caroline’s bustling about. To Veronica’s amusement, when Caroline attempted to dust the mantle behind the unicorn, Amaryllis snorted loudly. She gnashed her teeth in a snarl, and her horn coursed with light menacingly. Amaryllis stood up, lowered her horn, and looked like she would skewer the woman without further consideration.
Caroline froze and slowly backed away from Amaryllis. Veronica had to stifle a laugh at the sight of the enormous secret-spilling, rumor-starting, careless rat of a woman looking terrified. Something did bother her, however. A snort from a horse indicated a threat was spotted. Veronica wasn’t sure if this horse’s body language transferred to unicorns, but it made her wonder: Is Caroline more of a threat than just a gossip? She needs to be removed from her position at once. She simply can not be trusted.
Veronica, now holding her arms extended out to her sides because of the directions from Ruth, was able to catch Caroline’s fear-filled eyes with her own. The Queen felt a little apprehensive about what would come next; she wasn’t heartless after all, but it had to be done. When she spoke, she masked the emotion in her voice, keeping it flat and thoughtful. “It seems that my friend from the forest does not like you.”
Caroline had backed closer to the door and looked like she was ready to bolt. The woman looked like her life was flashing before her eyes. Caroline cautiously shook her head. “N-no, my Queen.”
Veronica nodded and immediately received a hiss to hold still from Ruth. “This will be a problem. I intend to have Amaryllis by my side for the foreseeable future, and I cannot be held responsible for anything that might happen to you if you were to cross her. If an incident were to occur between you and Amaryllis, it would damage my image with the castle’s servants. This cannot happen. At this time, your employment with me has ended, and I will begin interviewing for a replacement handmaid at once.”
Caroline’s eyes grew even wider, though they had been wide as saucers before. It was as if, in that moment, she forgot the unicorn was there, and the idea of losing her employment was more terrifying than Amaryllis’ horn. She clasped her hands together in front of her and dashed to the foot of the Queen, shaking her hands vigorously, begging Veronica that this need not be so. “No, my Queen, you need not concern yourself with me. It brings me immense pleasure to serve you...”
Veronica signaled with her hands for Caroline to stop. “Your pleasure is not of my concern. I will always feel worried for your safety, and that will be distracting.”
Caroline’s jaw began to tremble, and her eyes began filling with tears. “My Queen, I beg you to let me stay. My wages are the only means for me to provide for my family. If I am no longer in your hire, I fear we might starve.”
The Queen felt a twinge of pity for the woman, but she knew that there was nothing that she could possibly do to repair the trust between them. She needed to eliminate anyone who was not trustworthy, and she needed to surround herself with those who respected her. This was war, and espionage was real. She knew there were enemy agents hidden among her servants; who they were and whether they served Sargon or the High Council, she was not sure. Deep and painful memories resurfaced of the embarrassment of being heralded as a traitor and a disloyal wife to King Edward, the damaging and dangerous rumor leaking to all who were within earshot of the castle. The repressed fury, fermenting within her soul for nearly a month, augmented by the grief over her late husband and King, boiled in her veins. “Oh, you are worried about your family, are you? I was as well, for quite some time after your betrayal, but no longer. Perhaps you should have considered your family before you spread falsehoods about my potential suitor, Alfonso?”
The color drained from her skin, and tears began running down her cheeks as she realized that Veronica knew of her deceit. “Betrayal, oh! No, your majesty, I would never...”
The Queen backhanded Caroline with as much strength as she could muster from her sore, aching arms. Caroline cried out in pain and fell backward away from Veronica, her nose bleeding profusely and her face bearing the outline of the Queen’s hand and lacerations where the Queen’s rough nails had cut into her skin. “Still, you are duplicitous! There is nothing you can say, nothing you can do, to restore your integrity in my eyes. I am a mockery to the servants here because of you! You jeopardized my rule. You are lucky that I do not end you like I did Frederick William.”
While Caroline cradled her damaged face with a shaking hand, Veronica realized that firing her would cause innocents to starve. I do not want to be held responsible for a child dying. Caroline’s daughter is not at fault; her mother was the untrustworthy imp. The child should not have to suffer for the sins of her mother. But where can I employ Caroline? Where can I put her that would cause her the most discomfort?
At once, she knew. “I do not wish to have the image of your family starving to death on my conscience. You will remain employed in the Castle stables. They will need someone of your stature to bridle our large warhorses soon enough, and if your arms can move as much dung as your lips can, you will feel right at home there. If it is wages you are concerned about, I know the stable master. He recognizes good work and rewards the dependable handsomely.”
Caroline broke down and began to sob into her hands.
Veronica pointed at the door. “Please leave my bedchamber before something bad happens to you. Oh, and you may want to find a way to plug your nose at your new position. I hear the stench can be rather unbearable.”
Caroline gave a small, clumsy curtsy and fled the room, slamming the door open, which closed again on its own behind her. Veronica was able to catch a glimpse of Sir Richard, looking as bewildered as always. I am not the same Queen that fled the castle. I am no longer a timid girl but a confident woman and a mighty Queen. Perhaps Caroline will spread the message to her beloved servant friends that I will not be trifled with.
Ruth seemed to have finished her measurements and silently made some final notes. When this was completed, she gathered up the dresses that Caroline had left out on the bed in her arms. “It will be a shame to let these beauties be wasted, no? Would you have me reshape them to fit your new form?”
Veronica liked how the dressmaker referred to her body as a transformation, a new form. She regarded the dresses carefully, not wanting to offend the woman who very well could have crafted them to begin with. “They are beautiful dresses, but I do not want to be remembered as I was in the past. Please distribute them to those who are less fortunate and could use them.”
Ruth smiled. “Very wise and caring, Queen Veronica.” She glanced after Caroline, thoughtful. “It was wise and caring to treat the young woman the way you did. I do not know what transpired between you in the past, but to lose your employment is every working woman’s fear. It is good that her family will not be left destitute.”
Veronica nodded in agreement. She had not always been a royal, and she had seen what became of desperate women. The Ten Great Cities’ streets were lined with those women, either haggard and homeless or forced to commit acts that disgraced them. Caroline was a gossip, but she did not deserve that fate. A man unemployed could still provide, but a woman unemployed had few options available to her.
“In my shop, I have a dress that only needs slight adjustments to fit you, my Queen. How do you feel about gold?”
“I never truly considered it. What I desire is a dress that projects power and confidence. If that dress will meet those requirements, the color does not matter to me.”
Ruth grinned. “It will, my Queen, and so much more. The gold will be a stark contrast to the jade that ornaments your castle. The fabric is light and supple, allowing free movement. Because your form is so strong, a corset will not be required to create femininity, yet the dress will remain in its proper place. It will please you, my Queen.”
“You have served me well, Ruth Tejido. When can I expect the dress to be delivered?”
“The gold, one hour. The rest, two days minimum. My latest shipment of fabric from The Orient has not yet arrived, and I fear bandits have been involved. I will need time to procure the finest fabrics for our finest Queen.”
Veronica’s countenance fell. “You are correct. Your shipment has been stolen from you. If you cannot procure more fabric, I will make do with the gold dress. I know it will meet my expectations.”
The woman scowled and shook her head. “These brigands grow bolder every day.” She bowed and backed towards the door. “But with our fine Queen heading Anatolia once more, they will meet their fate in the end.” She bowed again and left the room, carrying Veronica’s entire wardrobe with her.
Her breakfast was cold, but the bread and butter still filled her belly. There was a fruitcake on the platter for Amaryllis as well. Veronica was starting to feel out of sorts, having been completely naked for such a long time. It will be good to have something to wear that fits her station.
The gold dress was delivered to her surprisingly fast and was exotic and breathtaking. Sir Richard must have overheard the conversation with Caroline, or Ruth had mentioned her need to the servants, as there were several women sent to her bedchamber to temporarily fill the vacancy of handmaid without the Queen needing any direction to do so. The women, after carefully helping Veronica into the dress, were utterly smitten by its beauty. It was modern, with a beautiful shade of beige, embroidered head to toe with gold diamond shapes, a square neckline that clung to her breasts and her shoulders, perfectly exposing her front and her back, long sleeves, and the body of the dress flowed down far enough to barely brush the floor. The sleeves were lined with a deep blood-red lace, stitched loose enough that her skin was visible underneath. The fabric had the softest feel, was light, and offered her a full range of motion. A matching pair of golden shoes was also delivered, which astonishingly fit her feet. It was as if the dress had been initially designed for her, and it made Veronica feel as she looked: powerful.
When she exited the room, Sir Richard’s jaw nearly hit the floor at the sight of her, and he looked extremely nervous. “You look completely brilliant, my Queen.”
Veronica smiled at him and began heading down the stairwell. Amaryllis had not yet started in on her breakfast and remained behind to do so. “Please accompany me to the Goddess Mother’s altar. I wish to worship and visit with my old friend, Paivo. I also require my armor delivered to my bedchamber. I commanded it be polished and returned by morning, and it has yet to arrive.”
