Read Online Blood of the Earth by David A. Wells - Free Book Online Page B

enormity of what he was about to ask of his sister less of a burden, but knowing that it wouldn’t.
    “What is it, Alex?” Abigail asked. “You’re starting to make me nervous.”
    “Abigail, I need you to become the Queen of Ruatha,” he said quietly but intently.
    She looked at him for a moment, then burst out laughing. When Alexander didn’t laugh, she stopped and stared at him like he’d just grown a second head.
    “You can’t be serious,” she said.
    He nodded sadly. “There’s no other way.”
    “Tell me you’re kidding, Alex.”
    “I can’t do both. I need to be the Sovereign. You’re the only one who can wield the Ruathan Thinblade besides me and Dad. He’s already had his children, so that leaves you.”
    She shook her head ever so slightly, backing away from him.
    “I don’t want that sword. I don’t want to be queen. I don’t want any of this,” she said, motioning to the Keep around them.
    “I know,” Alexander said, looking down sadly. “If there was another way, I would gladly choose it, but there isn’t. Ruatha needs a leader—and it can’t be me.”
    “Why not? You found the Thinblade. You’re the one with that cursed mark on your neck. The nobles have accepted you as their king. What makes you think they’ll accept me? I’m just a farm girl.”
    Alexander shook his head. “You’re much more than that. You’re Queen Abigail Ruatha.”
    “No, I’m not!” she shouted, a tear slipping from her eye. “You can’t do this to me, Alex. Please don’t do this to me.”
    When he didn’t relent, she sobbed and then turned away from him and left his quarters, crying.
    The others were still in the dining room discussing the enemies they faced. When Abigail stormed through in tears, they all stopped, looking toward Alexander as he came in from the balcony.
    “What’s wrong with your sister?” Bella asked.
    Alexander sat down heavily in his chair and sighed.
    “I just told her she’s the Queen of Ruatha,” he said.
    “What?” Bella snapped.
    Jack closed his eyes in sorrow.
    Duncan took a deep breath and nodded slowly.
    “It’s the only way,” Alexander said, more to convince himself than to explain it to the others.
    “I agree,” Magda said. “I had intended to bring the matter up during your council meeting.”
    “Abigail doesn’t want to be queen,” Bella said.
    “I know, but she’s the only one who can wield the Thinblade and I can’t be both King of Ruatha and Sovereign of the Seven Isles,” Alexander said.
    “I’ll go talk to her,” Isabel said, reassuring Alexander with a hand on his shoulder as she stood.
    He nodded to her with a smile.
    “There has to be another way, Alexander,” Bella said. “Please don’t do this to your sister.”
    Alexander swallowed the lump in his throat and looked down at the table in misery. He loved Abigail. She was his best friend. This was the last thing he wanted to do to her, but he couldn’t see another choice.
    “Alexander’s right, Bella,” Duncan said. “I hate this as much as you do, but it must be someone from the House of Ruatha, someone who can wield the Thinblade. I can’t wear the crown … you and I have already had our children. Ruatha needs an heir.”
    “But she’s my little girl,” Bella said, stifling a sob. “She’s not ready for this.”
    “I disagree,” Magda said. “In the time Abigail and Isabel spent with us, I came to know your daughter as a strong and formidable woman. You have cause to be very proud of your children, Lady Bella, more so because they both seem reluctant to accept the mantle of authority. In my experience, the best leaders are those who do not desire power. Abigail will make a fine queen.”
    Bella closed her eyes tightly, as if shutting out the unwelcome reality she faced, tears slipping down her cheeks.
    “I’m proud of you, Son,” Duncan said. “I know how hard this decision must be for you, but you’ve put your duty first. That’s a rare quality in a