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“You’ll be queen someday, dear. That makes your husband—”
“But how am I the heir? The trial was interrupted at best. At worst, I lost.”
“You completed a trial far graver than anything I could have arranged. You faced danger to yourself and our kingdom with selfless bravery. You sought out support rather than trying to manage on your own and showed compassion to our enemies. You displayed everything we need in a ruler.”
Tears well up, and my head and shoulders drop forward. It doesn’t feel real. In a song or a story, this would be a more glamorous moment. Instead, I’m rundown and ragged as I become the heir of Alchos and the happiest bride-to-be.
***
Steamy water soothes my body, but relaxation allows my mind to wander to places I don’t want to go. Lucy asks questions about the day’s events, and I answer absentmindedly. Queen Arabella and King Tomas. My eyes sting, but why? This was what I wanted.
Lucy finishes combing out the filthy mess of my hair. “Well, thank the gods the King is dead.”
“He’s what?” The words startle me out of my reverie.
“Down with his ship.”
Oh, Kirnon. Not my husband, the future King of Alchos. Oh, gods. The thought is overwhelming. “Yes. Of course. I’m sorry, I’m having a difficult time processing it all. Is that floral dress back from the seamstress?”
“I believe it was being pressed. Would you like me to get it?”
“Yes please.”
“Certainly. I’ll be back shortly.”
“Take your time.” Time alone is the very reason I sent her for a dress I knew wasn’t here. Alone, I get out of the bath and wrap a thick dressing gown around myself. I pull warm air through my hair as I step into my sitting room for a sip of wine. Upon entering the room, I’m taken aback by Tomas’ presence. He seems to already have found a place to clean up and change.
“You can’t be here.” It’s true, though seeing him has the immediate effect of making me smile.
“Because you aren’t dressed?”
“Precisely.”
His gaze scrapes down me, as if he can see through the dressing gown. “You’re far more dressed than I’d prefer.” He closes the distance between us with a few strides.
“My maid will be back any minute.”
“I believe she is supposed to keep your secrets.” His arms slink around my waist, and mine drape behind his neck on impulse. “And soon you’ll be my wife. Then it won’t matter.” He kisses me slowly, intimately, and my core melts. This is everything I want, yet…
“Tomas.” I swallow back the dread of my next words, but they must be spoken. “It hasn’t been announced yet. Are you certain you wish to marry me? Now that I’m heir to the throne?”
He draws back. “Are you joking? Why wouldn’t I want to marry you?”
“Because I won’t be able to give you my entire heart.” His brow furrows, and I hate myself for being the cause of his consternation. “As queen, I must put the kingdom above all. I’ll belong to the people, not just you, no matter how much I love you. It will be a terrible burden for you, and it must be more than you expected when you first started to love me.”
His expression softens as he combs his fingers into my damp hair to settle his hand at the base of my skull. “Bell, my love—” Heat blooms in my cheeks, and he smirks. “Do you like me calling you that?”
“Of course.”
“Well, my love, I would take on any burden to be with you, however I don’t consider this to be one. I love Alchos as well, and it will be an honor to serve as consort. Furthermore, I know how dedicated you will be. You’ll make sure everyone is taken care of, and it will be my pleasure to ensure that you are taken care of.”
Tears sting my eyes again, but the only overwhelming feeling is how much I love this man. “Thank you.” It’s a scarcely audible whisper, but I hope he knows how deeply grateful I am.
His kiss is tender and sweet. Being certain his attachment to me isn’t only physical makes me want him more than ever. I press myself against him, kissing him desperately, when a gasp and the sound of the door shutting splits us apart.
“Oh my.” I cover a giggle I can’t contain. “I told you!”
His smirk paints his face with amusement and adoration. “You ignored your own rules.”
