72. Chapter 72

Chapter seventy-two

T he bright sun shining through her open window woke Haven from a near dead sleep. Last night, while fun, had earned Haven one hell of a headache. She hadn't drank anything but being around so many loud people, music and general debauchery combined with her lack of sleep ensured she'd be running through her first official day as queen at less than her best.

After the coronation party, she'd been escorted to her new rooms on the top floor of the castle. A simple wooden four poster bed, an armoire, dresser and a door to a large bathroom was all she had found in her new bedroom. At the time, Haven hadn't felt much like exploring any room except her bedroom but she'd been assured she could decorate any of the rooms however she pleased .

Haven walked through the open doorway into what she was calling the sitting room, finding a nice breakfast spread waiting for her on the coffee table. Before she could take a seat, Haven remembered the letter Binah had given her. In her exhaustion last night, she'd been unable to read it.

Darting back into her bedroom, Haven pulled the letter out from under her pillow. Sliding it from the plain white envelope, Haven gasped when she realized what was in her hands.

Dear Haven,

First, I would like to apologize. I'm sure over these last few months you have found some things out about me that I almost wish had stayed hidden.

Please know that your father and I never made it our goal to lie to you. We simply wanted you to ourselves for as long as we could have you. I know it may seem selfish but not telling you about our pasts kept us sane. Even though we knew that eventually you'd end up where you are, we wanted you to enjoy your childhood and teen years for as long as possible. Before we got the chance to tell you, your father passed away. After that, it never felt right for me to tell you. It was always something we planned to do together.

I have no doubt that you will make an amazing queen. Please don't ever doubt my love for you or my confidence in you. I know that if your father were here he'd say the same thing. We struggled for so long to have you and when we finally did it was like we'd been blessed by gods that have long since slept.

I miss you everyday and while it might be selfish of me, I hope you miss me too. Knowing that you are exactly where you belong is the only thing that has made the days easier without you. I hope you are not so mad at me that you overlook my love for you. If ever you need anything, advice, guidance or simply a proverbial shoulder to cry on, I will always be here for you. I may not be able to enter the fae realm myself but if you get a letter to Binah, your words will find me. One day, after all the craziness that your coronation will be and whatever other trials you may face, I hope that you will come back to the human world to visit. I'd love to meet you as the powerful queen I am sure you are becoming.

Know that I am so so proud of you. No matter where the cards may fall and no matter how far apart we are, my love for you will always be present.

I love you Haven

-Mom

Haven stared at the letter in her hands. A tear rolled down her cheek as she folded it back up and tucked it away. She didn't have time to properly process her mothers words but seeing that letter, holding it in her hands and knowing that her mother was alright lifted a weight off Haven's shoulders she hadn't realized she'd been carrying.

Loud voices outside the sitting room pulled Haven from her thoughts.

"Let me in!" A voice demanded, it sounded like Rea.

"No can do miss, you are not authorized to enter the Queens chambers." That would be the guard they'd assigned last night. No matter how hard she tried, the council was not willing to move from their position that Haven needed around the clock guarding.

"Oh come on!" Rea screeched

Haven snickered. She debated letting her friend stay out there for a little while longer. It was slightly petty revenge for her friend's lies but revenge nonetheless. Haven listened to Rea and the guard bicker for a few more minutes before she made her way to the large wooden door that opened to the hall.

"It's alright. She can come in." Haven stated as she opened the door.

The guard, whose name she did not know bowed quickly,

"Are you sure, your majesty?"

"Yes she is my lady's maid and friend. She is always welcome in my chambers"

"Of course." The guard nodded and stepped away from the entryway to let Rea pass.

"How rude!" Rea snapped as she entered Havens rooms.

Haven laughed at her friend, "He's only doing his job"

"You're enjoying this aren't you?"

Haven snickered, "Only a little"

Rea rolled her eyes, taking a moment to look over Havens new rooms. Although the entire top floor were technically Havens rooms, the rooms they were in now were her personal rooms. The rest were various meeting rooms and an office. There was even a war room with a large map of the fae realm. As much as she didn't want to admit it, Haven had a feeling that room would be getting some use at some point soon.

"This is nice, albeit a little boring." Rea remarked, standing by the fireplace. The sitting room held a couch, coffee table, a small dining area, a balcony, the door to her bedroom and bathroom and a large stone fireplace.

"I know I need to decorate but it doesn't feel so urgent, especially since I'll be leaving soon for Shaston anyway."

"Yeah I get that. Have you decided who's going with you?" Rea asked, sitting down on the couch near the coffee table and fireplace .

"I figured I'd have to have some guards. If Roman wasn't going back to his kingdom I'd ask him but he leaves the day before me. Other than a few of the council members, the only other person I'd want going would be you." Haven had an idea for someone else she'd hoped would go but she hadn't asked him yet so she didn't want to say anything. She hoped to find him sometime today, between all the meetings being held and to festivities still going on.

Rea sucked in a breath, "You want me to go?" She asked.

"Of course," Haven stated, sitting down next to Rea on the couch, "I'm going to need a friend."

"I'd be honored" Her friend responded, wrapping her arms around Haven.

Haven smiled, "I'm glad. I don't think I could handle all the bureaucratic nonsense without you."

Rea huffed, "Yeah I could see you getting mad and ‘accidentally' knocking out some poor lord who was pissing you off."

"Good thing you'll be there to stop me!"