The Blessings of Life

Autumn 439

I gazed out at the clear skies and sighed, folding my hands in my dark-blue silk lap. Alanna has already given her blessings to Jon and me and was staying with the Bazhir for a while longer; through I wished she had come with me to make the long ride more interesting. Myself, along with Buri, were returning to Corus to meet the king.

I wonder what Jon is like? Alanna said he was a good man and a just king. I suppose he would make a good husband and not end up like mother and father…

I remember when father had begun the civil war in Serain…and when Mother committed suicide. The last fleeting glance she had given me, her face set, eyes sad. She had murmured three words:

"I love you."

I knew then…I knew she was going to jump.

It was then I packed up and fled.

But that was the past and this is the future. Those are only memories and it is foolish to dwell in what went before. I sighed again and smiled slightly, I would be glad to be wed, but I am worried all the same.

Would I be a proper wife? A good queen?

A while later, we drive through a city. The capital city of Corus. It is bustling with activity. Merchants were eagerly selling their goods, women were calling after their children who played and laughed as they ran along the streets. I saw some men sitting and talking with friends as the carriage passed.

Yes, I promise now, I would rule these people fairly as their new queen and I would become a proper wife to Jonathan of Contè. I would love him and give him heirs for the throne.

As I am led to a great hall, I notice many nobles are present and they all look as if they've dressed in their best, as if my presentation was another ball. I hold my head high and gather my courage to meet the gaze of my husband-to-be. His eyes are the first thing I see and both of us seem to study the other, eyes still met.

As he offers his arm to me, I gracefully take it and stand beside him.

Strangely, he says only two words to the crowd, "Your queen." The nobles then, out of habit I suppose, bowed to one knee in respect and then rose. Jon glances at me and we share a half smile. His eyes are shining with an emotion I can't guess and I just look to the crowd in reply as we are led to another set if rooms that is to be our chambers.

Early May 440

A year later, as the midwife hands me a little bundle, I smile and I weep, just happy that I have a healthy son and that Tortall has an heir. A little prince.

As Jon enters the room, I smiled, "Come see him Jon," I whispered, my voice hoarse.

I saw Jon grin as he looked on "A son." He murmurs softly.

I gazed at the beautiful pink bundle in my arms and look back at Jon, "What should we name him?"

"How about Roald. After my father?" he answers.

I nod, "Prince Roald of Contè."

Jon kisses my cheek, "I'm proud of you, Thayet."

A little hand reached up and Jon laughed softly as his son's little fingers grasped one of mine. Tears of joy filled my eyes then and I gazed at Jonathan and remember the uncertainties I felt the day I came to Corus one year ago.

In this moment, I know I have kept my promise to myself, and I know the years to come will not be hard with Jonathan at my side.

This life, these chances, these were the blessings I received and I am glad, very glad, that I received them when I did.