The Sapphire Broach

Chapter 32 (rough draft)

Kenric stretched his aching back. He and Rodney had finished harvesting the last of the potatoes and carrots and now tilled the garden area in preparation for next year's planting. The ground hadn't frozen yet, but it had stiffened with cold, making the job a bit harder. If he had been home earlier and recovered faster from his injury, the chore would have been finished three weeks ago.

"Who do you suppose that is?" Rodney pointed to the hill that led to their home.

Kenric leaned against his hoe and looked toward the hill. A horse and rider appeared with nine others following behind. They bore the full insignia of the palace.

Rodney hurried off to meet them, but Kenric picked up his tool and went back to work. He hadn't seen a carriage which meant that the queen was still at the palace. He had no desire to speak with anyone but her.

"Kenric, aren't you coming?" Rodney called.

"No."

"Kenric!" his mother called from the porch. She hurried with Janie to meet the soldiers. "Come here."

Kenric cursed. Why couldn't everyone just leave him alone? He threw his hoe down and walked over to join the group gathered in front of his house.

"How are you, Kenric?" The front soldier reached out to shake his hand.

"Have we met?" Kenric ignored the offer of a hand-shake.

"Not officially. I was there the night you saved the queen."

"Oh." Kenric had no desire to exchange small talk with Ivy's soldiers. "Why have you come here?"

His mother touched his shoulder. "Remember you manners, son."

The soldier dropped his hand and shifted his feet. "The queen has requested your presence at the palace."

"Is that so?" What did she want with him?

"Yes. She sent us to bring you."

So, she had sent her little men to fetch him instead of coming for him herself. "And what if I refuse?"

"Kenric!" His mother glared at him. "What is wrong with you?"

He ignored her and continued to stare at the soldier awaiting a response. What would Ivy do if he refused to come crawling back for her?

"W-well," the soldier stammered and looked around at his companions, "I suppose we would have to . . . er . . . arrest you."

"Then I suppose you will have to do just that because I have no desire to go with you."

"Kenric!" Janie wacked his chest with her hand.

"I am confused." The soldier looked around at Kenric's family, then back at him. "You stood before us all and professed your love for her. You kissed her—a rather passionate kiss, I might add."

"You did?" Janie's eyes nearly popped from her head. "You never told us that!"

Kenric took a step toward the soldier. "I did what I had to in order to save her. That is all." That had been why he kissed her, right? Or had the kiss meant more?

"You didn't mean it?"

Kenric sighed. "She was accused of treason and walking toward the gallows. Would any of you have let me near her if I had stood there and said, 'Good evening. I just happened to find this broach on the side of the road and I know it is hers. Could I walk over there and pin it on her so you don't kill her?' I do not believe that would have worked."