Checkmate

Chapter 14

     I was in the midst of sweeping a hallway. The hallway was long and dusty from lack of use. It was one of the hallways that led to a bunch of guest rooms that weren't filled and it was quiet where I was. Humming to myself, I tried to finish the last of my jobs before I would see Flynn.

     "Helena," Queen Astoria said.

     My eyes widened at Queen Astoria's voice. Turning around, I concealed my expression before the Queen could see it.

     "Yes, your majesty," I said, bowing a bit.

     Queen Astoria had the same brown hair as Flynn, but it was streaked with gray. But unlike Flynn, her eyes were a dark, gray colour. Flynn got his eyes from his dad who also had brown hair, but his mom had these rare gray eyes. And because she was permanently angry, they were always cold.

     "I would like to talk to you," Queen Astoria said. She stood tall and proud, her chin tipping up. "Alone. Will you join me?"

     "Of course," I said.

     My face was expressionless. It took everything in me to hide my surprise.

     And when Queen Astoria turned around and walked off, I chased after her. My heart was pounding as I dreaded what would happen.

*****

     The Queen and I were walking outside in the garden. There was one long dirt path and on either side of the path were dozens of different flowers. The flowers ranged from roses to sunflowers, to tulips to marigolds. It was beautiful and so colourful. I nearly forgot I was walking next to the Queen as I took in my setting.

     "Are you sure my son is in love with you?" Queen Astoria asked after a few minutes of silence.

     "Yes," I said. I fought back a look of surprise. "I do."

     I bit my lip. Glancing at the Queen, I prepared for a dinner part two. And with the thought of being on my own without Flynn to protect me, my heat sunk.

     "My son is young and foolish," Queen Astoria said. "He doesn't know where his heart belongs. He's just confused right now. He doesn't realize that loving a servant is mad."

     I blinked. The Queen's words felt like someone shot an arrow through my heart. It left me bleeding, hurt and confused on what to do.

     "Who do you think Flynn should end up with?" I whispered.

     "I like Natasha. She's always been so kind to me and she comes from a powerful family," Queen Astoria said, looking thoughtful. "But Amara will do since Flynn can't stand Natasha. Flynn seems to like Amara, so I see him picking her as his bride."

     I grew quiet. It was strange hearing the Queen tell me about who Flynn should end up with, knowing I was dating him. It was cruel and the words shot at me, with each of them adding another arrow through my heart.

     "I think Flynn should be allowed to be with whoever he wants to be," I whispered. "You can't force him to marry someone."

     "Don't be foolish, Helena," Queen Astoria said, shooting me a look. "I'm his mother. And mothers know best."

     "But you don't ever care about Flynn's happiness! You only care about your kingdom."

     Flushing, I covered my mouth, unable to believe I raised my voice at the Queen. The Queen stopped walking then and she turned to look at me, a look of rage on her face.

     "Excuse me, servant?" Queen Astoria said. "A servant should not be talking to a Queen like that. Don't you ever raise your voice at me again."