Read Online The Queen by Suzanna Lynn - Free Book Online

Baylin’s
way of having someone near Luana at all times in case she happened
to be in danger. She didn’t mind it. She enjoyed spending time with
the Queen.
    Luana carried the baby while she walked
through the Great Hall with Baylin’s mother. The baby’s nurse was
close behind, waiting in case she was needed.
    Though the servants tried to remain
distracted by their tasks, many could not avert their eyes as Luana
glided through the room. Some looked disapproving, others seemed
merely curious.
    “With the celebration canceled, how will we
announce the baby’s name?” Luana asked as they walked the Hall.
“Baylin insisted I not whisper a word before the celebration.”
    “It’s not canceled, not really,” Valasca
said. “Merely postponed. We can hold an official coronation once
this nasty business with Mirstone ends.”
    If it ends. Luana feared for the fate
of her son should Grasmere fail. “So we just continue calling him the baby until then? I mean no disrespect, but the Battle of
Embers raged for nearly twenty years. I think continuing to call
him my baby as a grown man would hurt his pride.”
    “Oh my dear!” The Queen laughed loudly, her
shoulders shaking as she tried to keep her composure. “I believe
you’re right! I’m sure the battle will be over swiftly though. You
needn’t worry.”
    “I suppose you’re right,” Luana said. “Our
main focus should be the people, and all this food will go a long
way in providing for them.”
    “Yes. We will store the food for winter,”
Valasca said. “Provisions that cannot be stored will be fed to the
families as they come to the castle.”
    “When are they bringing the families in?”
Luana asked, looking at the numerous maids and stewards carrying
items out of the hall.
    “They have begun already,” the Queen said.
She placed a hand on Luana’s shoulder. “You’re thinking of your
family, aren’t you, dearest?”
    Luana blushed. “I know I’m not allowed
to…”
    Baylin’s mother laughed. “Luana, haven’t you
learned you’re changing all the rules? Of course we will make
special arrangements for your family.”
    My family? My family lied to me. Are they
really even my family anymore? Luana thought about finding out
she was elven, and how her parents never even hinted she was
different. Except for Baylin, no one in the Kingdom knows I am
elven. What will happen when they discover the truth?
    “Are you feeling well, my dear?” Valasca
asked, brow furrowed.
    “I’m sorry, yes,” Luana replied. “It would
mean a great deal to see my family again.”
    Luana noticed many of the servants who had
been staring at her had gone back to their work—all but a maid
standing a few steps away. Luana recognized her as one of the maids
who was often seen working with Master Keon. The young girl stared
at Luana, her gaze falling on the baby.
    She acted timid, almost embarrassed by her
curiosity when Luana’s gaze met hers. “Apologies, milady.” The maid
went back to gathering up some plates off the table.
    “Oh, please don’t apol—” Luana took a step,
reaching her hand out and touching the girl on the arm.
    As her fingers brushed the young maid, Luana
felt as though the room was beginning to slowly spin. She
swayed.
    Valasca took the baby from Luana’s arms and
placed a hand on her shoulder. “Dearest, what is it?”
    “I’m… I’m not sure. I just felt…” Luana
swayed again and reached out, gripping the maid’s arm to steady
herself.
    As her hand tightened, she felt as though
she was being pulled through a tight, dark tunnel. She began to see
the girl’s thoughts and memories.
    She was in a room, looking out the window
down to the road. There were Grasmere men outside on horseback. A
few of the men were sitting down for a game of dice.
    She started when a knock came on the door.
She opened it to see Lord Cadman standing there in front of her. He
wore black, boiled-leather trousers and tunic, with a dark cape
falling down his