The queen generously listened to my bumbling explanation of my actions. I even thought I sounded insane by my own retelling of my dream. I had never heard of a Swordsman being let go from service, but I suppose there is a first time for everything.
Queen Valerie simply nodded encouragement keeping an unreadable look on her face. Surely this was something she must have practiced throughout her youth. No commoner would be able to keep from openly mocking such outlandish notions as magical dreams.
I finished and the queen let the silence grow between us. The longer she sat musing, the more uncomfortable I grew. Finally she shared her thoughts.
"I have always trusted your instincts, Lord Holden. There is no reason for me to doubt them now." Queen Valerie turned her head as if she were thinking about her next steps.
I let out the breath that had been caught in my throat. At least her first words were not calling for someone to take me to the doctor for him to check my head.
"I am not sure that your dream is magical," The queen said, contorting her face in an expression of skepticism. "But that does not mean that your intuition is wrong."
I tucked my head in embarrassment. She did not believe my theory but at least she was not dismissing me from leadership. She also did not dismiss the credibility of a threat, even if it was not magical.
"I think the clan of Stag does have a target on its back. My betrothed…" The queen took a moment to sigh at the use of the word like a school girl. "Is one of the strongest members. With young Lord Jacobson new in his role, it could lead to a power struggle."
I had never thought about a threat from within the clan. Sir John's backing did help solidify Lord Jacobson's position as Swordsman of his clan. If the elder man were not as present, that could leave young Jacobson open to potential challenges within his own kinsmen.
"I do think we need to keep an eye on that. Maybe I could assign Sir Jacobson to your entourage watching over Princess Alina at the ball tonight." The queen mused out loud.
My mouth fell a gape momentarily. I just assigned myself more babysitting charges. Stupid dreams.
"I will have Lord Carrion and Lord Garrison at my side," The queen thought for a second, only letting a slight grimace escape her unreadable face. "On second thought I will add Sir Gavin to that group as well."
The golden child would love that.
"He is more reliable than Lord Carrion and it will give him an excuse not to strain his injuries." My sovereign said almost to herself, firming up her decision.
"I am also certain Lady Calista would not object to me allowing her to wear a ceremonial sword with her ball gown. Do you not agree?"
I guffawed in a most uncourtly manner. "I cannot think of a proposition that would make Lady Calista happier."
"It is decided then. We will keep the two most powerful men of the clan safe with the same people guarding myself and my daughter. No need to stretch the guards too thin." The Queen smiled at her own ingenuity.
"And there will be no need to alert the clan of Stag of our suspicions. If they think the threat is from within the clan, then warning them might make John and Jacobson act abnormal around their clansmen." Queen Valerie motioned toward herself during her statement before moving to gesture to me.
"If it is from somewhere outside the clan as you suppose, then during the ball would be the most public way to disgrace either man. I do not want them on edge during such a happy occasion." The elegant lady smoothed her skirts as if to dismiss any more ideas on the subject.
"I agree, Your Majesty. Thank you for your wise counsel." I managed before stifling a yawn behind clenched teeth.
"I am pleased you agree. Now go get some sleep before you report for duty. I am sure my daughter will fuss over her appearance this morning in her chambers, giving you plenty of time to refresh yourself." The queen started walking me toward the palace entrance.
Ensis is truly blessed with such a ruler. Not only kind and open, but also not too proud to walk someone to the door herself.
I bowed at the palace doors and the queen nodded her approval. For once my orders lined up exactly with my desires. Refreshing sleep beckoned my name.
My mind replayed the dream that pulled me to the palace. Surely it was not as bad as I recalled. Surely it would not happen again if I closed my eyes. Dread started to grow in the pit of my stomach.
If I closed my eyes and saw the same warning again, I do not think I could make it through the ball fully alert and guarding two people of utmost importance to the kingdom.
I knew how to survive military drills without sleep. I knew how to travel on horseback to home and back without rest after a long day of work. I guess this was the moment I trained for.
I do not know how I reached my brother's doorstep, but I made it there.
Inside I found my brother still fast asleep. Show off. Sleeping in your own bed must be nice.
I threw myself dramatically onto my bed away from bed and before I let my mind wonder back to the dream that started it all, I was fast asleep.
No dreams worth remembering filled this slumber that felt like the length of half of breath. Before I even realized I was unconscious, I was startled awake once again. At least this time it had nothing to do with my own dreams.
A loud banging on Benate's door made us both jump to our feet.