Free The Queen's Curse by Natasja Hellenthal

the crowd for her , and when their gaze met the queen smiled, reassured, and the knight felt swollen with pride that she of all people had her full attention. What had she done to deserve that kind of look?
    ‘Good morning, Commander, it is good to see you ready.’
    ‘Good morning, Your Highness.’ She bowed slightly.
    Her gaze landed on her mare with interest. ‘A fine steed.’ Her own steed was brought in moments; she had it packed herself earlier that morning. Tirsa noticed he was not that young, but he still appeared to be strong, elegant, and had shining black hair almost as vivid as that of its rider.
    ‘I hope they will get along ,’ the queen remarked, smiling warmly, touching the mare’s nose gently.
    ‘I am sure they will.’
    Artride grabbed the pommel of the saddle, pulling herself up onto the horse’s back in one quick movement, and Tirsa followed her example.
    They both heard loud noises coming from the crowd in the outer square. Artride breathed in deeply as if to strengthen herself and commanded in a loud voice, ‘Guards, open the gate to the outer square!’ Tirsa instantly remembered Shades and found her standing between the others again. They waved at each other. Tirsa thought she saw a tear blinking in one of the woman’s eyes, but she could not be sure.
    There were many guards to keep the people of Satrea under control as they cheered and waved.
    Tirsa rode before the queen, as was the rule, to protect her from any threat. She had a good look around; but saw only happy people.
    Slowly they rode towards the outer gate , which was fully open by now, and the lowered drawbridge, with accompanied cheers.
    When they left the crowd behind Artride clutched at her reins and overtook her suddenly , ordering her to follow. Tirsa had some idea which route they would be taking to reach Dochas, but did not feel at ease. They crossed the Royal Valley and entered a wood full of old beech trees with many spring flowers underneath. The fresh air carried the scent of dawn and the sweet smell of new leaves. Birds called out in the canopy overhead and they spotted a small group of red deer which curiously stared at them before sprinting away, alarmed by the thudding hooves of the horses. Sand rose in clouds beneath the horses’ feet.
    It was a still , grey morning with almost no wind; as if the country was holding its breath in anticipation for what was coming.
    The hard path covered with dark brown soil, was wide enough to ride side by side, but Tirsa didn’t think that was appropriate , for it could mean they were equals and she certainly did not want Artride to think she would be thinking that. The queen slowed to a trot so that Tirsa had to slow down as well. Curiously, she turned her upper body in the saddle to look at her bodyguard.
    ‘What is the matter, Commander? Are you afraid I shall bite if you come too close?’ she said with a hidden sneer.
    ‘I think I hear horses behind us. It is very likely we will be followed, my Lady. It is safer if I ride behind you ,’ she answered plainly. ‘And I believe it’s also the rule?’ she added gingerly.
    ‘Do not worry about that one ; it is up to me to decide. And I have ordered my guard to stop anyone trying to follow us and they will do their jobs well, Tirsa. So do not be troubled. Come and ride beside me.’
    ‘Does anyone know where we are going?’ she asked obeying the queen’s order.
    ‘No, not even the Head of the Guard.’
    Tirsa smiled amused, coming a little closer so she could smell her flowerlike fresh scent.
    ‘So Jaromir too believes you are on a mission to find a husband?’
    Artride had to suppress her giggle, which wasn’t easy for her when she thought about the nervous, unsettling expression on his face, earlier.
    ‘Won’t the book punish you for that?’ And Tirsa had to rephrase herself as it had sounded as if the book had a mind of its own, ‘I mean: the curse on the book.’
    ‘For telling a lie? Oh, no, not at all. The