Chapter 25
.
Margaret had been told from an early age that her life was not entirely her own. She had been the daughter of High King Corwyn, she would have to marry whoever her father said would benefit Darokin. Margaret could not marry the man she might love, and she definitely was prohibited from falling in love with a woman. She had not intended to fall in love with Bridget, she was technically her stepdaughter. But the two women had fallen in love, despite the dangers. And when Liam found out, he ordered the two women to fight to the death in a duel. Margaret did not want to kill her beloved, but she had an additional reason to live. She had learned, only a day before the duel, that she was with child. Hard as it was, Margaret had to live for the sake of her baby. She had never been given the opportunity to tell her beloved Bridget about the baby, but on some level she had to believe that Bridget had sensed it. That she had held back, just a little, in their sword duel. Margaret later gave birth to her and Liam's son Conner. Margaret promised to herself that she would get vengeance for Bridget, but she would have to bide her time. She would have to wait until Liam trusted her again. But he would pay for what he had done to his own daughter. One day, Liam's spies heard a rumor from Tuma. There had been a rogue who was the self-proclaimed "king of thieves." He claimed to have possession of a piece of the Gorgostone, until another young thief was able to steal it from him. Now, this clever young thief was willing to sell it to the highest bidder. It might just be a rumor, or maybe this thief was selling a fake. Still, Liam couldn't take the chance that Faerun or Mystera would obtain it first. So he went with his best Goff guards to investigate. In the meantime, Margaret was left alone in the castle. She went riding one day with a bodyguard. This bodyguard, Malcer, was from Faerun originally. He had been taken as an infant and raised by the Harpers. But as a young man he became dissillusioned with this hard way of life, and became a spy for Darokin. When his cover was exposed Macer fed to Darokin. King Liam understood the importance of rewarding spies and defectors. Malcer lived in a nice house, even had a servant. He was still expected to perform certain duties, like protecting his new queen. As they went out riding, Margaret couldn't help but think, Malcer had been nothing but polite to her, had never looked at her when she changed clothes. Was he being a gentleman, or was he afraid of the High King? Today, she had an unexpected chance to find out. There was an unexpected storm, Malcer and Margaret had to take shelter in an old chapel. This chapel might have been beautiful in it's day, but like many buildings it was not immune to the ravages of time. Malcer found Margaret some dry clothes and covered his eyes while she changed.
.
Margaret: You can look if you like, you've certainly earned it.
Malcer: It would not be appropriate, my queen.
Margaret: Do you have a sweetheart?
Malcer: Sadly, I do not.
Margaret: Such a pity. Everyone deserves to know true love at least once before they die.
Malcer: I agree. The Harpers, they don't approve of relationships.
Margaret: Don't some have romance with local farmers?
Malcer: There were some. They would sneak out, make love to locals, and try to return before sunrise. But, the local villagers all feared us. I knew I would never be certain if the girl loved me, or just feared me. So I never.
Margaret: Is that why you came to Darokin, for love?
Malcer: Partly. I was angry at the Harpers. Because of them, I would never know my parents, I don't know if I have any brothers or sisters. And I wanted more out of life, to live in some comfort. And yes, I hoped to some day fall in love.
Margaret: And have you?
Malcer: Perhaps, but I know I can never be with her. She is married.
Margaret: Pity. I have fallen in love twice in my life. Both loves were forbidden.
Malcer: I have heard of your love for Bridget.
Margaret: She was taken from me, by the man I was forced to marry.
Malcer: Indeed, perhaps I idealized Darokin too much. I cannot understand how anyone, much less the High King, could let his own daughter be killed. I'm sorry, I shouldn't speak ill of him.
Margaret: There is an expression about the golden rule, "He who has the gold makes the rules."
Malcer: I heard that expression in Faerun, but I thought was just Harper propaganda.
Margaret: It isn't.
Malcer: At least I had purpose in Faerun, to prevent Gorgos from ever being freed. Now, if one kingdom has two pieces of the Gorgostone, it would shift the balance of power. What happens next, is anyone's guess. I fear what will happen, and what reason do I have to fight?
Margaret: You can fight for love. Take my word for it, even with all the risks, love is worth fighting for.
Malcer: Who was the second person you fell in love with?
Margaret: He's a young soldier, an honorable young man, and seems to think I off limits because of my marriage to Liam.
.
Malcer knew he was risking his own life with this, but he had to take the chance. He kissed his queen, and she reciprocated. They made love in this old chapel. They both knew that by the time others came looking for them, Malcer would have to be standing guard outside, and queen Margaret would have to be fully clothed. But they could begin their passionate love under the cover of the storm.