Chapter 14: Get Off Your High Horse
I raced into Reagan's study the next morning. I had been anxious about the entire thing all night long, I couldn't get much sleep. So, at the first glimmer of dawn, I had sent for Reagan while I got hastily prepared myself for the day ahead.
Pushing the oak door, I entered the study where I spotted Heather standing beside Lagertha who was clutching her mother's hand tightly. Her wide eyes betrayed the fear and confusion she tried vigilantly to mask and that broke my heart. Unable to help myself, crossed the room, my steps quick and purposeful as I drew Heather into my arms.
I could feel the tension in the stiffness of her shoulders but she soon relaxed and hugged me back. I patted her shoulders, sympathizing with her as she cried.
"It's going to be okay." I mumbled as I eased away from her before turning to look at Lagertha, "If there is anyone who can help, it's my husband. You do know that he is the bravest knight in the kingdom, yes?" I said to which Lagertha offered me a shy smile as she held on to her mother's hand.
No sooner had I said that did the door finally open revealing Reagan who entered. He was putting on a black shirt with black trousers and a pair of boots. His hair was slicked backwards and all I could do was slicked backwards with a rogue curl falling forward.
We all curtsied at him as he made his way round the table to get himself seated. With a warm smile, I moved right next to him and took a seat that was opposite the room while Heather and her daughter stood in the room.
"So, what seems to be the problem?" Reagan asked in a deep gravely tone.
Heather cast me a look but I nodded my head at her encouragingly. "It's alright, you can tell him." I said and Reagan shot me a look but didn't say anything.
Seeming to find her strength, Heather straightened her shoulders and opened her mouth to speak. "I need you to help me save my children sir." Heather spoke and though her words were trembling with the weight of her desperation, "My children have been taken by the loan sharks I borrowed money from. My husband was sick and dying and I was desperate to save him. Nothing seemed to be working for him and we were starting to run out of money to pay the healers to take care of him. So I turned to some loan sharks thinking I would be able to pay the money back. I...I...couldn't!" Heather broke into a sob.
"These sons of yours, why did the loan shark decided to take them?" Reagan asked her.
Heather sniffed, using a handkerchief to wipe her nose. "I...I...used them as collateral."