The Shattered Crown

FIFTY-TWO

Kaira had dragged the surgeon from his bed. In the end, however, nothing could be done to save the child. Janessa had wailed and thrashed as the surgeon made sure she did not bleed to death. As Governess Nordaine and the surgeon did their best to calm the queen, Kaira gathered the tiny body in a discarded blanket and held it in her hands. It weighed almost nothing and was small enough to fit in her palm.

Once Janessa had calmed and succumbed to the mercy of sleep, Kaira asked Nordaine to take away the small body, sure that the governess would treat it with the care it deserved. Before the surgeon left, Kaira reminded him of the need for discretion. He gave no word of argument to that.

Once he was gone, Kaira watched over Janessa as she slept. The girl would have to cope with her loss, and it was another battle she would have to fight alone. It only served to make Kaira feel helpless, knowing how little she could do for the girl she was charged to protect.

After what seemed like hours, Janessa finally stirred, and Kaira moved to her bedside, laying a hand on the queen’s brow. The girl opened her eyes and looked at Kaira, at first hardly comprehending what she saw.

‘It’s me, my queen. It’s Kaira.’

Janessa gave no response, but glanced away towards the window. Tears were beginning to well up in her eyes and Kaira could see her anguish.

What was she supposed to say? What was she supposed to do?

Kaira sat on the bed beside Janessa and stroked her red curls, now matted and unkempt.

‘There is nothing to fear, Majesty. Your child is safe with Vorena now.’

Janessa said nothing.

Kaira was filled with pity for her. The young queen had lost so much, and so recently. Not just her child, but also her father and her most trusted advisor.

She was just a girl, lost and alone, charged with facing a battle-hardened warlord with a sorely depleted army. It was a responsibility Kaira would not have wished on anyone.

‘Is it a clear day?’ asked Janessa.

Kaira looked down at this girl who seemed so small and vulnerable. This girl with the weight of a kingdom on her shoulders.

‘I … I do not know, Majesty,’ she replied, rising and moving to the window.

Kaira looked out onto the Crown District and the city beyond. There was bustle and noise drifting in from the north. The city knew what was coming and it did not lament. It moved with urgency, preparing itself. Over it was a grey sky, the winter chill giving the air a strange calm.

The calm before the storm.

‘No, Majesty. The sky is dark, but-’

‘It is no matter,’ said Janessa, and Kaira turned to see she had risen from her bed. She stood unsteadily, using the bedpost for support, but there was a determined look to her eyes. ‘It is still a good day. A day for a new beginning.’

Kaira moved towards her. ‘Majesty, you must rest.’

‘I’ve rested enough, Kaira. I’ve hidden from this for far too long. I’ve filled my head with worthless thoughts. That will all change.’

Kaira wanted to argue. To tell her that she didn’t need to do this now, that there would be time aplenty later. That she had time to mourn her loss.

But she didn’t. The Khurtas were almost here. The time for rest had passed. If the people of Steelhaven were hoping for some miracle to come and save them, they would be disappointed. The only thing that would save them was grit and fight and sacrifice.

‘What would you have me do, Majesty?’

Janessa fixed Kaira with a determined stare. ‘I will need armour. Armour fit for a queen. And my sword.’

Kaira smiled. ‘Yes, Majesty,’ she said.

Janessa smiled back, and in that moment Kaira felt proud. Felt ready to follow this young girl anywhere she would lead.