Queen Meredith poured everything she had into this fight, and she lost. Her breath labored from her lips. Her fists curled against the dirt, her nose drowned in gunpowder and death. A stretch of silence blew away dust, debris, and any trace of her resolve. How could she let her people down? Shame dropped heavy on her shoulders.
With long, slow strides, Queen Soraya approached Meredith. She stood, chin lifting a head full of wild, frizzy hair. Her high cheekbones glinted in the sun. The edge of her blade pierced the tip of Meredith’s nose. She closed her eyes.
“Stop.” A little girl wrapped her arms around Meredith. She widened her eyes in love and fear. “Don’t hurt her.” More children who always gave her wild flowers whenever she walked through the market.
“Please-” Meredith glanced over her shoulder. The entire kingdom crowded behind her, eyes full of loyalty and devotion. “We beg you to spare our queen.” Meredith tried to wipe the tears away, but their support made her swoon.
Queen Soraya frowned. She held Meredith’s gaze. Finally, Soraya grinned. “I think I have some use for you after all.” There was a speck of mischief in her eyes; Meredith’s muscles tensed. She sheathed her sword. “Marry me.”
Meredith tilted her head, heat rising to her cheeks. That was the last thing she expected. “The power to wield loyalty from subjects is advantageous to me.”
Soraya was a cold and calculating foe. The last thing Meredith wanted to do was go to bed with her. She glanced over her shoulder, taking in the strength of her people. She faced the fierce Queen Soraya. “Fine.” She pulled the children close. “For them.”
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