nodded.
Roselyn hated violence with a passion. The reason that she had pursued the throne was to form peace treaties with other countries and end war completely.
It seems like no matter what I do or where I go, violence follows me.
She had been so naïve when she had first been elected as a part of the Sanctus senate at the age of twenty-five. Now thirty-eight, Roselyn had been the queen of Sanctus for five years. The people adored her. She was grateful to be queen, but now she wondered if she had chosen the correct path. She was not ready to handle the burden of a battle. And now magic was going to be involved.
General Edandir’s deep voice broke the silence.
“Seeing you troubled makes me feel very low, Your Majesty,” he said.
“It seems as though God has forgotten our devotion to Him,” she said.
Edandir’s eyes met hers.
“Don’t blame Him, Roselyn. You know as well as I do that what has happened is the devil’s work – and the work of those that choose to listen to him.”
“Cardamon was a faithful nation before all of this, Edandir, yet they just lost their nation and many of their people – including Seraphim and Landine.”
“Yes. You do not have to remind me of what we have lost.”
Roselyn shut her eyes. It was still painful to think of King Seraphim and his wife being slain by the brutal Malinorians. They had been her good friends for years.
Roselyn took a deep breath.
“Chira had also been a God-serving nation until Ittonifer scared them into pledging their allegiance to him. Why weren’t they delivered before Ittonifer drove them to such a point?”
Edandir shook his head, a stern frown etching his forehead. His expression made her feel like a child again. She looked away.
She wanted to wrap her arms around her horse’s neck, as she often did, but the gesture would have looked ridiculous to the general. She had to appear strong, even though she just wanted to cry.
As though reading her mind, the gentle mare nuzzled her with a velvety soft nose. Roselyn smiled. The two of them had been through so much together over the past twenty years. They would get through this also.
“I cannot answer that question,” the general finally said.
Why had Seraphim and his wife been put in a position where they had to choose between God and their lives? Why didn’t He spare them from death if He cared so much? The injustice of it all disturbed her. Roselyn was as afraid as King Seraphim must have been.
“Why would our Heavenly Father allow such a good king and queen to be slain by our enemies? Tell me.”
Edandir shut his eyes.
“King Seraphim was my friend. But he turned his back on God. You know all of this, Your Majesty.”
Roselyn shook her head.
Now I am starting to lose faith.
“Please don’t let the recent and present circumstances weaken your faith in God. I have been thinking a lot about what happened with Chira and Cardamon. Maybe all He wants is for us to ask Him for help and have more faith,” said Edandir.
“I think that I must do what every good ruler has done in a time of war – fast and pray. I will talk with the pastors and seek their counsel. I hope that God will speak to me if I devote more time to Him. I need to go where I will be completely alone. I will make my journey first thing in the morning.”
“Very well, Your Majesty, but may I make one suggestion?”
“Of course.”
“I want to accompany you. These are dangerous times. Ittonifer could have his men situated close by to bring about your demise. I can put Sanere in charge while we are away.”
Queen Roselyn laughed, but then turned serious when she saw the deep concern flooding Edandir’s dark eyes. She crossed her arms, ignoring the fluttering feeling in her stomach. He clearly cared about her a lot.
“While I agree, General, that there could undeniably be spies in this city, I can assure you that Ittonifer has better things to do than plan a timid queen’s demise. Besides, where I am going, I doubt that there will be any enemies. You must lead your army.”
“Then allow me to send one of my commanders with you.”
“I will be fine.”
“I must disagree.”
His eyes were pleading, but it was not going to work on her this time. Riding alone was something that she greatly enjoyed. Deep prayer was something that one should also do alone,