Page 81 of Veil of Winter

The people of Montciel began to talk among themselves, until one of the Montciel soldiers cried, “And long live Queen Elyce!”

Would they actually reject their king? But as King Leandre had not shown his face for the entire spectacle, the people shouted in unison, “Long live Queen Elyce! Long live Queen Elyce!”

Elyce seemed dumbfounded, and he could see even from where he stood that her eyes were filling with tears. Her people loved her, and that fact seemed to surprise her more than he ever would have guessed.

Twenty-Three

Elyce’s people were shouting, “Long live Queen Elyce!”

She thought she would feel pleased, gratified, and exultant at this moment, since she’d been working so hard to keep her father from getting what he wanted. But now that King Claude was dead, and she could not imagine Bertold—King Bertold—would honor his dead brother’s agreement with her father, there was no longer any need for her to take her father’s throne.

Just then, Father Johannes pushed her forward and said in a low voice next to her ear, “Say something to your people.”

“But what about Father?”

“The people have spoken. You are their new leader.”

She looked at Sir Gerard, who nodded to her, a small smile on his face. He then looked out at the crowd, his smile growing bigger, then nodded at her again.

Elyce’s heart was pounding hard. Would they reject her ifshe said the wrong thing? And what would her father think and feel if she accepted the people’s demand that she be their queen?

But she could not think about that. She had to deal with what was happening now, in this moment. Moreover, her blood had gone cold at the sight of a man lying dead not far from her.

“People of Montciel, you are witnesses of the fair fight between King Claude and his brother, Bertold. And now that King Claude is no more, and now that King Bertold of Valkenfeld is our friend and ally, there is no longer any danger of the men of Montciel becoming slaves in Valkenfeld’s mines. But you must choose whom you wish to serve as your leader—King Leandre or me, Princess Elyce.”

“Queen Elyce!” was the only thing she could hear as the crowd shouted her name.

Again her heart swelled inside her chest, even as tears stung her eyes. It felt wonderful to be chosen, but what did she know about being a queen? How could she lead her kingdom when she had no experience leading anyone? Even her maidservant, Ysa, seemed to have little confidence in her when her brothers’ lives were in danger.

Thinking of Ysa’s brothers reminded her... She motioned to Sir Gerard.

“Will you see if you can find Ysa’s brothers and set them free?”

“Right away.”

What would Sir Gerard think of her now? Especially if she was crowned Queen of Montciel?

The most important thing was that her people were safe andunharmed, and that they remain safe and unharmed. She did not quite trust that all would be well. She’d seen King Claude’s guards bow to Bertold, but what did she truly know of Bertold? He’d treated them very badly when they’d found shelter in his little home during the snowstorm. However, when she’d told him Astrid was still alive, he had transformed before her eyes. And now she could see Astrid in the crowd, smiling through tears as she gazed up at Bertold.

If Astrid could love him so much, and since he obviously loved Astrid, surely he must be a good man at heart.

Father Johannes was urging her to go inside the castle. “There is too much chaos out here. Allow me to bring all the Montciel guards to you in the chapel so they can pledge their loyalty to you.”

“Very well.”

Just then she saw Sir Oswalt accompanying Astrid, no doubt taking her away from the chaos to a safer place as well. Elyce hurried to tell them, “When Sir Gerard returns, please tell him where I am.”

They agreed and Elyce allowed Father Johannes to take her inside. But the thought of facing her father again was a weight that filled her chest. Would he hate her? What would he do?

***

Gerard took one of the guards loyal to Princess Elyce down to the dungeon. They soon found the three brothers in separate cells.

“Let these men go free, by order of Princess Elyce,” said the guard who was with Gerard.

“Princess Elyce? I only take orders from King Leandre.”

“King Leandre is no longer in charge.”