[ WP ] You are a consort to the king of a kingdom at war . The king goes off to battle , but does n't return . After the battle , two priests from a nearby shrine ask you to help them identify the king 's body on the battlefield .

`` Your majesty, we will need your word to quiet the whispers on the streets...'' the old priest added pleadingly, glancing up at me. 
 
 I looked down at him. My mind was racing. The war had been won. However if he is really dead then it might as well be lost. Our son would make a most unenlightened ruler and presumably drag us into yet another war like his useless father. No, this was an opportunity... An opportunity for a competent hand to finally claim the throne. God, works in mysterious ways and I was seeing his hand move before my very eyes. 
 
 I pulled out my handkerchief and wiped a convenient tear - result of my unblinking stare into my future - artfully from my cheek. 
 
 `` Forgive me gentlemen, no, father, forgive me. Of cause I will come with you. I was overcome by grief.'' 
 
 `` Most natural my Queen'' he answered with a bow. 
 
 Only three days later we arrived at what I will always think of as the city of blood and white sheets. Large tents as far as the eye could see. Large tents of undyed linen flapping in the wind like broken sales. And death. The smell of death. The buzzing of flies everywhere. Broken helmets, broken halberds, broken spines, broken hopes and dreams of wives and sweethearts... Urg, with all these men dead there'd be a run on the poor houses and brothels. I had to prepare for that. 
 
 I covered my face with my handkerchief to block out the smell of death as the men exchanged awkward glances. One muttered something apologetic, but I waved him off impatiently. 
 `` If this is where my darling husband died, my Lord, my king! Then how can it be too good for me?'' 
 
 Admiring looks. Stupid little men. Do you really think I would have become Queen and shared a bed with the flatulant walrus for ten years if a little death could deter me. 
 
 The flaps of the largest tent pulled aside as if by their own will and suddenly I was standing in front of the very same walrus. Dead and cold. No doubt. Your last fart has played old man. 
 
 `` Leave me alone!'' I commanded and then added softer `` I need to be sure!'' As soon as they left I searched the body and took his seal and his chain, which he kept hidden in his underclothes. There was also a locket with a lock of my hair - who would have thought it? Then I worked the seal on his finger. The seal I had prepared in all haste the night the priests arrived. The seal just good enough to fool the casual observer, but clearly fake to the expert. Made by a lovely smith's daughter with a drunkart of a father. In thanks she is now readying herself to join me in court as one of my dear companions. I might make her my personal Jewelsmith as a matter of fact. She is rather good. No more of her father's debtors demanding her time and grace in pre-payment. No more hungry belly. No moor poor house. All in return for this little golden ring that will wed me to my future. A good deal for both of us I think. 
 
 I dishevelled his clothes some more and then stepped outside, white as a sheet, and waved to his first in command. He is young and handsome. Not the man he left with, that is for sure. The opportunities that war can open up... 
 
 `` This!'' I raised the dead limp hand. It released a wave of rose scent - likely an attempt to cover the smell for my benefit. `` This is not my husband's seal! I would know it anywhere. Also... there are other....things'' I allowed my eyes to wander to the now half open briefs `` that make me doubt this is my husband. I... I think it is a cruel trick of the enemy to make us think he fell.'' My voice carried the right note of certainty. I can see in his eyes that he believes me. Pretty eyes. Green like a cats. He inspected the ring and his skin drains of yet more blood. We must have looked like two ghosts. 
 
 He nodded at me. Tries to find the right words, but ca n't. Bows and leaves. I followed him without a glance back. The walrus had played his part. 
 
 When we headed back there was much muttering. I was glad to leave the cloud of flies. May they eat him quickly. No one dared come near me. May be they fear that I might declare them frauds too. If any know what has been done? 
 
 The day we returned I went out myself. The guards and heralds were horrified at this breach of etiquette, I could tell, but they will have to cope. Indeed all will have to learn to cope. Much will change around here. I waited until I can no longer see the cobblestones of the marketplace or the streets beyond. I do n't have to wait long. Many of these commoners will never have seen me close up. I take a deep breath. 
 
 `` Citizens of this glorious city, capital of the best country in the world- hear me speak! Last week I was called upon to identify the corpse of your beloved king'' A gasp. Some sneers. `` I can relieve you by saying it was not him! It was a cruel trick of our enemies to dishearten us! But it has done the opposite! It has bolstered our spirits! The war has been won, the fertile valley is ours and I hereby swear that I will not abandon the throne until my husband ha a returned to me or his ring and chain has been found in proof of his death! Until then I will rule to the best of my humble abilities and with the good will of you, the people, of this glorious nation under God. God's will shall be done. His plan shall be followed. I ask Him to use this mortal shell as his humble vessel, as he has used and is still using my husband's. To mark this joyous news, I declare the opening of three new poor houses in the city and two state run weavers so that the widows of this war may work and eat and feed the children of our heroes! Thank you!'' 
 
 I stepped back as the stunned silence broke into applause. My hand played with my husband's ring and chain in my pocket.
