Chapter 26: Forged by Fire

It had been a nerve-wracking and uncommonly eventful coronation day for Rowan Alys Brynehaven. After all, how many Queens get crowned, survive an attempted assassination, and begin peace talks all in one day?

As she passed her uncle’s old room, a sharp sting of loss reminded her Gregan wasn’t here to tease or teach her, and she passed up a prayer of thanks to her uncle for forcing her to learn all those things she thought were useless, in such a short time. Rowan shook slightly as she gingerly climbed the steps leading up to her chambers as the events of the day finally took hold.

“I do hope not all my days will be like this,” she laughed softly to Lea, who began unbraiding Rowan’s auburn locks and brushing away the day’s stress from them.

“Oh, my queen, your father knew you were forged from things stronger than any stone like you were forged by fire.”