The Light of Day - Barbara Smith - Bog

CHAPTER ONEIt's a flurry of activity as King Consort Robert of House Corrington runs down the halls of the palace. His footmen follow quickly behind him, struggling to keep up with his clipped pace. The chambermaids in his wife's sitting room all bow as he enters, and he nods his head at them in passing as he makes his way to Eleanor's bedchamber.The midwives all bow their heads respectfully, but Robert only has eyes for his wife. Queen Eleanor of Swansworth sits upright on the bed, a cream dressing gown already on and her hair coiled up on her head. In her arms rests a bundle swaddled in light green blankets."What have you given birth to?" Robert promptly asks her, approaching the side of the bed."We have a daughter." Eleanor says, tilting their child to the side so Robert can gaze upon her face."I see." Robert sighs, sitting on Eleanor's bedside as she guides the baby into his arms."Just because she is a girl does not mean she cannot rule. Take me for example! I know the rules are hard to change, but it is my family line that is royal after all..." She starts, and then trails off.Robert furrows his brow and stares at the child in his arms. He can't deny the girl is pretty, with a swirl of dark hair on her head and pale skin. Her eyes are firmly shut but if Robert had to guess he thinks they'll match the Cardonell green that has passed down from generation to generation in the line of succession."People only accepted you as queen because I was at your side when you took the throne." Troy replies, bouncing the baby as she fidgets in her sleep.Eleanor sighs, raising a hand to stroke across the child's head. "I realize you are disappointed. I too had hoped for a boy.""Perhaps our next child will be a true heir to the throne." Troy says, and hands the child off to the waiting wet nurse.The woman lays the baby down in the cradle nearby. Eleanor and Avery look away from it, both thinking about the future of their kingdom. The baby lets out a cry, and with a heavy sigh, Eleanor motions for the nurse to bring her back to the bed."She shall be engaged to the prince of Regent if we are to follow through with tradition." Eleanor says softly, letting the wet nurse arrange the baby in her arms. "We have no choice in the matter.""It is true." Robert says. "The Princess Lucille will be married off to someone from a more remote kingdom, but this child must be married to one of the princes of Regent in order to keep our alliance."....................(continued)