The Captain held open another flap and Vren ducked through. A sleeping chamber, crowded with people. Here the air was thicker, reeking of blood and piss.
On the bed a woman was propped up by pillows, her black curly hair in disarray and pressed to her head with sweat.
A tiny babe nursed at her breast.
Vren sucked in a breath. Dust whined softly as she sat at his feet.
The white bedding was splotched with bright red blood. Between the new mother’s spread legs, other women were frantically doing…something. Vren stomach churned and he dropped his gaze, not wanting to know more.
“Majesty,” the guard said, and Vren found himself the focus of the room.
Even those ministering to the woman stilled for a moment as Vren knelt and said, “Hail to you, Kara, Queen of Xy.”
The Captain stepped to the bed and handed the Queen the token. Kara took it, rubbing the smooth black side with her thumb. She lifted her gaze and gave Vren a weary smile. “You are the marcusi I sent for?” She fingered the token. “Your name?”
“Majesty, I—” he shook his head. “I am one of the marcusi, sworn protector of the Blood of Xy. Until the snows summon and the stars call.”
Kara narrowed her eyes. “But which Blood?” she asked, then shook her head. “Never mind. It matters not. Very well, marcus. I will trust in your truths and in the ancient promise.” She grimaced as the healer moved between her legs. “You will take my daughter and flee.”
Vren’s head jerked up. “Majesty?” She couldn’t be serious.
Queen Kara ignored him, focusing on the other women in the room. “Well?”
“Majesty,” one of them said, “lean back and let me try—”
“No,” Kara was firm. “We both know the bleeding will not stop. I won’t die bleeding out on the birthing bed. Better to ride into battle with my warriors, sword in hand. Pack me up with bandages and bring me my armor.”
Vren’s heart sank further at her words. This was not a woman seeking rescue.
The chief guard stepped forward. “Majesty, no—”
The babe at Kara’s breast dropped the nipple and yawned. The newborn had a shock of black hair, just like her mother. For a brief moment the woman smiled down at her babe, then lifted a stark face to the others. “King Xywellan has fallen. I must rally our warriors or all is lost.”
“Majesty, you will die.” The chief guard placed her hand on Kara’s shoulder. More than a guard, then.
“Death comes for us all in time,” the Queen said. “I will not flee the field while one hope remains.” She grimaced. “Finished? Help me up.”
The Captain took the sleeping babe and the token. Many hands extended to aid Kara to sit on the edge of the bed. Her face was pale, breath coming in short gasps. “T’will serve. My armor.”
“Wait,” another healer offered her a cup. Kara downed it in one gulp, then grimaced.
“Give it a moment,” the healer said. Kara nodded, breathing heavily. Then she jerked her head to the Captain.
“Give her to him. And the token.”
Vren took the swaddled child, but not without protest. “Your majesty?”
Kara took a shuddering breath, then straightened her shoulders. “My armor,” she commanded.
The women started to help Kara into her padded jerkin. “Marcus,” she said, again with the tone of command, “Hide her. Keep her safe.”
“Majesty?” he asked. He shifted his gaze to the Captain, as if to confirm the Queen’s madness.
The woman met his stare with her own and gave him a nod.
Queen Kara continued as her attendants dressed her, “My warriors and I will rally the army. Give strength to the weakening hearts. I will not leave these warriors whom Xywellan led to their deaths.”
“Majesty,” Vren argued, “she’d be safer with you, with a host of warriors—”
