Horse Charmer (22 page)

"No." She stood her ground.

"You haven't read our history close enough, Queen Sarahann." Eb walked up to stand next to Cassia. "A coronation isn't necessary. It is just a symbol, a ceremony to the people. She became queen as soon as Robet was murdered."

Sarahann jolted and glanced questioningly at Abiga who shook her head as she didn't know either.

"You're welcome to read the scrolls. I believe there's a copy in the library should you wish to verify." Eb turned and bowed to Cassia. "Cassia is the Queen of Karah."

She waited for his head to rise. "You didn't tell me."

Eb got down on one knee. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I didn't realize…"

Cassia turned purposefully away from her mother. So many mistakes made. None of which could be undone. "We need to focus on tomorrow not yesterday." Eb stayed down and she touched his shoulder. "I am in need of your council. Donaly will see to preparing our forces should Vespera choose to attack. I need you to prepare me."

Eb rose and took her hand in both of his. "I will, Your Highness."

Sarahann made a sputtering noise. "She's only sixteen."

"First, my mother," she said, not looking at her. "What do we do about her?"

"She will negotiate a new treaty with the islanders to help us should Vespera choose to go to war," Eb said.

"I already told you my people don't get involved in the politics of mainlanders," she protested.

Eb released Cassia's hand to stride up to Sarahann. "Will you help save Karah or not?"

Drawing herself up to her full height, her mother glanced over his shoulder to Cassia before focusing back on him. "I have always done my best for Karah."

"We aren't questioning your loyalty," Eb said.

Cassia reluctantly agreed with him. Sarahann loved her adopted kingdom. She loved it more than she loved her children.

Abiga stepped forward and rested her hand on Sarahann's shoulder. "You're the only person whom your father will listen to."

Some of the pinched expression left her mother's face. "I can try."

"Good." Eb turned back to Cassia. "I need a private audience with her majesty."

Sarahann and the advisors left the room slowly, clearly wondering what Eb had to say to Cassia and not wanting to be left out.

"Are you ready for this? Really and truly ready? There's no going back from here, Princess. Your father was forced into ruling young just as you were, but he didn't have a choice."

"I don't have a choice," she protested.

He shrugged. "I allowed the illusion of your mother maintaining the throne. You could step aside."

Cassia shook her head in confusion. "You just said--"

"Ignore what I said before. We could go on with your mother in charge until Gordain comes of age. Who would bother to look up how the heir comes to be in one of those old scrolls to contradict us?"

Cassia turned away from him and chewed on her lip. He was offering her an out. Why he was, she wasn't sure. She trailed her fingertips over the smooth wood of her father's desk and looked at his favorite tapestry hanging behind it. Her father had only been a little older than her when he'd taken the throne. Yet, he'd never once complained, at least not to her, of his responsibility or lack of choice. He'd simply been the king. Couldn't she do the same?

Cassia turned back and smiled. "No, I am the Queen of Karah." She embraced the title and everything that went along with it. "It's time I started acting like one."

You already do.
Kali's voice whispered in her mind.

THE END

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About the Author…

Angelia Almos' love affair with horses began when she was five years old and talked her parents into her first riding lesson. Horses have always been a huge part of her life. The initial idea behind
Horse Charmer
came to her when she was fourteen. The image of a teenage girl riding her horse through a meadow appeared. Who was this girl? Where was she going? What was she running from? Those questions led to the creation of
Horse Charmer.

Angelia writes young adult fantasy, space opera and horsey nonfiction. Connect with her at:

Website:
www.angeliaalmos.com

Twitter:
twitter.com/angeliaalmos

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