The Bridge Between Worlds
Chapter Eighteen

Trumpets played fanfare at Regina’s entry. The grand ballroom was full of people; guests from all over the country. The servants stood to one side, ready to service where needed. The musicians sat in the opposite corner. The Council of Five sat in large, throne-like chairs. Lining the path to the far end of the room. Where, adorned with the Xiphis colors, was the largest of them all. The Xiphis throne.

Regina walked with her head held high. Smiling and nodding to as many guests as she could manage, whom bowed as she passed them. Kalib remained a few feet behind her, staying near her left. The room seemed to go on forever, but when she was finally at the steps of the throne she felt so small in comparison. As practiced, Eadward appeared and took her hand as she rose the stairs and stood at the seat of royalty. She turned so she was facing the rest of the room. She straightened the train of her gown, but she could not yet sit down. She exhaled softly, glancing at her dear friend and protector as he moved to stand to the right of the throne. Kalib smiled and nodded encouragingly.

“Honored guests,” she said, turning her gaze back to everyone present. “I am most grateful for your presence on this joyous occasion. I imagine what a surprise it must have been to hear the bloodline of Heartsword is not gone. I, too, was quite surprised to learn of my blood right. I grew up not knowing who my mother and father were. It was only in the last year I learned who they both were and are. You’ve heard the name Bortælus. The brothers who serve the Anerathian crown as Æmienix ambassadors. The opportunity to acquaint myself with the Lord Inanis Bortælus has granted me the chance to have so many of my questions answered. Learning he is my father has truly changed my life.

“I wish I had the same opportunity to know my mother. And how much more do I wish to have met my grandparents. The Xiphis Council has done so much to help me learn your ways. While I longing wish to have been tutored by King Derek and his beloved, Queen Bethany, I am grateful to the Council for their strong efforts in my preparations.”

She glanced at the five chairs. Four of the members remained seated while Eadward stood to the left of her, just a step below. He nodded his head, bowing ever slightly. The other members were not as courteous. But Regina pressed on. This was the one impression she could give the people.

“I imagine it was not easy,” she went on with a gentle laugh. “A supposed outsider with the blood of the great rulers running in her veins. I thank you, dear Council. Your wise teachings will follow me all the days of my life. My only wish is that I am able to live up to your expectations, and rule over Xiphis the way King Derek, himself, would have wanted of me.”

“Long live Heartsword!”

The guests began repeating the chant. Regina glanced at Kalib, giving him a knowing stare. He merely shrugged, keeping his gaze forward. Having said what she needed to, Regina sat into the throne. And it felt so right.

* * *

As the evening went on, Eadward guided Regina around the ballroom. Introducing her to the diplomats, mayors and city governors. It was important for her to meet each and every one of them. She was even required to dance with them, if they asked for one. In truth, she didn’t care for dancing with any of them. Only a few had actually brought it up, but joked they were too old for her.

“Your highness,” said the mayor of Elsfield. “Your deed at Mount Horsrath . . . No one else would have sent the people away first. I am indebted to your kindness.”

“Sir,” Regina replied, shaking her head as he took her wrist and kissed the back of her hand. “It is my duty to protect the people. The great and the few. It is my service to Xiphis.”

The man nodded and she was ushered to the next guest. Her jaw ached from smiling. Her feet hurt from all the walking around the room. Which was very large. If she was getting tired, she could not imagine how Kalib must have been feeling. He had been following her all over.

“Why does no one ask you to dance?” asked Eadward, mostly to himself.

“Perhaps they are intimidated,” Regina replied, sighing softly. “I am quite used to the feeling.”

“If I may,” Kalib spoke for the first time since her entry. “When they see how charming and wonderful you are, they won’t this way.”

Eadward agreed, “He is right. They just need the chance.”

She smiled her gratitude. Kalib winked and went back to being the speechless guard. If Eadward had caught the minor exchange, he didn’t show signs he had.

After Regina had been introduced to all the important people, Eadward led her back to the throne. Kalib took his place to her right without a word. She went on smiling and nodding to people, whenever she could.

* * *

An exquisite banquet had been prepared. Roasts of all kind, dressed with bright green, leafy vegetables and bright apple-like fruits as stuffing. Salads and other delicious foods were placed all across the long table. It seemed to seat more than a hundred guests.

Regina was led to the head of the grand table. Just the sight of the feast made her mouth salivate. Kalib snickered softly as a servant assisted her with her chair. The guests all waited for her to be seated before taking their own seats. Everyone spoke and chatted with each other.

“Your highness,” said Eadward as he mildly motioned to the glass at her place setting. “It is customary for a royal to make a toast before the meal.”

“Ah, yes,” she nodded at the gentle reminder, clearing her throat as she stood. “My dear friends and honored guests.”

She picked up her glass and tapped against it with a golden table knife. The chatter simmered and all eyes were on her.

“I wish to, again, thank you for coming tonight,” she said, smiling as she spoke in a loud enough voice for everyone to head. “And I wish to thank the wonderful cooks who slaved over the hot stoves to present us with this feast. You have truly outdone yourselves. To my guests, my this delicious meal fill your bellies and the wine bring you joy.”

“Hear, hear!”

The guests all shared laughter as they raised the glasses.

“Please, enjoy yourselves. To a new beginning for Xiphis!”

“To a new beginning!” the guests repeated.

“Long live the princess!”

“Long live the princess!”

Everyone cheered and drank the dark liquid from there glasses. Regina nodded her thanks to Eadward for the additional toast, which had surprised her a little. However, she paused before letting the glass even touch her lips. She glanced at Kalib with uncertainty. He stepped forward and called to one of the wine barrens. He whispered something into the man’s ear. The man nodded and took the glass from Regina’s hand, holding it to his lips.

“Is something wrong?” asked Adis; he was seated to the right of Regina’s place, opposite of Eadward.

“Someone should have tasted the drink before the glass even touched the princess’ hand,” Kalib countered with a firm stare. “Is it not better to be safe than sorry? Bring her royal highness a new glass!”

Another wine barren nodded and ran to follow command. The man who had been tasting Regina’s drink finished it off and waited. Glancing into the empty glass. He still stood upright. But then he grunted and crippled. Grabbing his stomach as he fell to his knees. The glass shattering against the floor as it dropped from his hands.

A shrill scream rang through the room. Kalib pulled Regina away from the table, sword drawn as he stood in front of her. Eadward also jumped to the ready, joining the guard. The rest of the Council merely stood from their seats on either side of the table. They appeared not phased , but surprised no less.

“Whatever you do,” Kalib whispered to Regina. “Do not leave my side. Lord Eadward, what now?”

Regina clung to his shoulder while the two men discussed what to do next. She glanced around with full alertness. The guests were in a panic, but they somehow managed to remain calm. They clustered to the far corner, awaiting further instructions. Whispered filled her ears. Much like at the Anerathian court, she was hearing the voiced concerns of each person. Again, Regina was the target of conversation.

“She’s hardly been present to the country.”

“Who would dare attempt to murder the princess at her first ball?

“Its amazing our glasses were not poisoned as well.”

Tears filled her eyes as Kalib led her away.

* * *

Regina’s hands shook as she sat in her bed. She was in shock. Stunned to silence. Kalib stood nearby, his hand on his sword. While she felt safe knowing he was there, she couldn’t believe the turn of events. Who was it? How had they managed to get so close? Was it someone on the inside? Was there a spy in her midst?

“You’ll feel better if you rest,” said Kalib from his place at the nearest wall.

“I can’t,” Regina whispered, shaking her head. “I’ve had people not like me before. Hate me, even. I was just getting used to the idea someone might want to kill me . . . But having it almost happen has freaked me out.”

She squeezed her eyes shut. Her body trembled. Her breath was shaky. And she jumped when something touched her shoulder.

“Ssh,” came Kalib’s voice next to her ear. His warmth surrounded her. His arms wrapping her into instant comfort.

“I promise that I will not let anyone touch you,” he whispered, holding her close. “I’ve given you my word. I will give my life protecting you. Tonight was only a glimpse of the dangers yet to come. As for people not liking you, there is only one known person who hates you the most. The person trying to poison you. Everyone else likes you and is impressed by you. Impressed by your fearlessness to protect a people who haven’t even met you yet. Eadward the Dark liked you more than he cares to admit. You are, and will be, adored by many.”

Regina nodded but said nothing. She was content to being held. Kalib seemed to underhand because he didn’t said another word, nor did he move away. Her head rested against his chest. The trembling subsided slowly and she felt she could breathe again. Eventually, her eyelids grew heavy. Her body became more limp. The gentle thumping of Kalib’s heartbeat lulled her to peaceful slumber.

* * *

Regina sat in the throne room. Kalib to her right, Eadward to her left on the lower stair. The Council stood before her. Each offering their piece of advice. But none had touched the root of why this particular meeting had been called.

“A mistake was made last night,” Regina said, tapping her fingers against the left armrest. “I am requiring a food and drink taster, of the highest priority. I could have very well died. I understand it is a lot to ask anyone to risk their life. But it should be an honor to serve the throne this way. I am more than certain my grandparents would agree very much.”

She watched Eadward who was watching his fellow Council. He remained silent, never voicing his opinion. Which Regina found a little strange, considering his usual behavior. Galisa and Pritha didn’t like having their “wisdom” rejected. Adis and Arthos were the loudest of the group.

“You are only a princess,” Arthos explained with a firm head shake. “You’re not yet in position to demand this way.”

“Yes, we have yet to establish you as queen-in-waiting,” Adis added with a huff.

“Such precautions should have already been in place,” she countered, holding her ground as she rose to her feet. “Princess or not, the actions should have been taken before I even sat down to feast. If King Derek were standing before you, would you treat him this way, my lords?”

The brothers fell silent, glancing at the sisters. Allowing Eadward to finally speak.

“The princess is not wrong,” he said, stepping forward, away from the steps of the throne. “Perhaps such minor precautions should have remained in place during our time as regents. It should not have happened . . .” The man turned to Regina with an apology in his eyes. “And I take full responsibility. Does your highness have any suggestion on how a taster is chosen?”

“Lord Eadward,” she replied, changing her tone as she sat down again. “Thank you, yes. I do have a minor suggestion. You may advise against it, if you believe it is not worth looking into. I understand there are prisoners in the dungeons. Murderers, thieves and so forth. All of whom await judgment. My suggestion is to offer the responsibility to the worst of them. Train him, or her, to detect poisonous herbs. They, in turn, can train an apprentice to take over in the event they perish on duty.

“The position offers them a chance to pay for their crimes, but offers mercy and a chance to live in place of a hanging or beheading.”

It pained her to even suggest such a thing, but it was the better solution in Regina’s mind. She had thought it over and discussed it with Kalib when she woke that morning. Four Council members shouted in uproar, displeased with her suggestion.

“The prisoners must hang!”

“Mercy is never the the course of action for such crimes!”

Eadward held up his hand, silencing the group. He held Regina’s gaze for a long pause. And for the first time since her arrival, she knew he was not her enemy.

“Her highness has expressed a wise solution,” he said, lowering his hand but never looking away. “And I support it with my whole heart.”

A weight was lifted from Regina’s shoulders. She felt a new respect for Eadward. Everything he had done until this moment became more clear. He genuinely wished for her to succeed.

“The princess wishes to offer this responsibility as a form of mercy to the convicted prisoners,” Eadward went on as he turned to the Council again as he snapped a group of scribes into attention. “Let it be written, by order and decree of her highness, Princess Regina of Xiphis. If a man, or woman, be found guilty of a crime worthy of death, he or she is to be granted the choice to become royal food and drink taster to her royal highness, Regina of Heartsword.”

The group of scribes had appeared from almost nowhere. Each with a handheld table, stack of parchment, pen and ink well. They wrote with vigor and determination. Eadward relayed additional terms regarding the position, requirements and compensations. He further explained the duties of a Taster and how the position must serve the throne of their free will, not by force.

Regina held back her smile. She didn’t wish to gloat in front of the fuming Council. But if she were anywhere else, she would have jumped in triumph. Excitement for getting her way. Joy in making what had been a hard decision. Satisfaction in gaining an ally.

“Is there anything else you would wish to add, your highness?” asked Lord Eadward, facing her.

“I believe you have worded it perfectly,” Regina replied, nodding. “Thank you for your gracious support, and teachings.”

He bowed his head, motioning to the scribes to continue.

“Princess Regina,” he went on as he stepped forward. “Please sign and seal the decree as law.”

A servant with a candle and saucer of blue wax appeared at her side. He was a young boy with red hair and freckled cheeks. Regina smiled at him as she took the stamp-seal from the silver plate.

The boy melted the wax onto the bottom of the finalized parchment. She pressed the brass seal into the wax and waited for it thoroughly imprint. When she pulled it away, she paused to admire the embedded emblem.

Simply put, the Heartsword crest was an H with a sword driven down the center. Similar to an arrow-pierced heart, but without the heart. Regina then took the quill, dipped it into the pot of ink, and signed the law with her new royal signature.

Regina Heartsword

Daughter of Bortælus, of Xiphis.