Page 51 of Fated to the Wicked King

I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but the cadence of his voice carried—steady, deliberate, inviting thought rather than demanding obedience. Around him, the advisors listened with focused attention.

On occasion, a few voices broke the stillness. An older man leaned forward, his brow furrowed. A woman with silver threaded through her hair spoke, her responses firm yet measured. A third person, younger, but no less certain, seemed to offer counterpoints, shifting the current of the discussion.

Gregory did not interrupt. His gaze moved from one speaker to the next, seemingly absorbing each perspective, before lowering himself back into his seat as he considered their input. There was no tension in the room, no fear of reprisal.

When Gregory finally spoke again, his manner was softer, but firmer in presence. One by one, they nodded as understanding rippled around the table, a seamless consensus with each voice aligned beneath a shared purpose.

The harmony of power and trust was almost tangible. It was a form of leadership that did not crush but instead gathered.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Gregory stood and shook hands with some of the elders. Nobody could mistake his sincerity, his authority. His kind smile warmed his handsome face, the light in his gray eyes inviting, soothing⁠—

“Are you spying on him?”

I jumped at the deep voice by my ear. Looking up, my gaze collided with the king’s stormy blue eyes, their corners crinkled in amusement beneath one raised eyebrow.

I willed my breathing to steady. “No, I was merely⁠—”

“Spying?”

I shot him a suffering look before turning to stalk down the empty hallway. “I wasn’t spying. I was…curious.”

He fell into step beside me, his long strides easily matching my fast walking. He peered at my face. “Is he impressive to you? He commands the respect of his royal council without fear. He is kind, gentle, hardworking, and brave enough to stand up to danger and protect his people.”

My cheeks warmed. Gregory was indeed impressive, but there was no way I was going to tell the king that. No doubt he would only use it to mock me.

At the end of the hall, I veered toward a narrow, winding staircase. I wasn’t familiar with this castle. I wasn’t sure where I was headed. All I knew was that I needed to get away. If not from him, at least from Gregory and the council.

But the king would not relent. “Gregory runs this kingdom efficiently and amiably.” His smirk tilted with mischief. “And don’t tell me you didn’t notice the cut of his robes. That pleasant face, his glistening blond hair, those smoldering eyes.”

“What of it?” I tried to dismiss him with a wave as I took up the steps. “Stop following me.”

His grin widened suggestively. “I know he has noticed you too. I am sure with a bit of prodding, you can entice him to your bed.”

I scoffed as if he had said the most ridiculous thing I’d ever heard. I wanted to scream in frustration. What was he trying to do? He couldn’t torture the people of Lucerne, so instead, he was torturing me?

“Why? Would you order me to do so if it worked out to your advantage?”

The king had made it clear I was no more than a tool for him to use. It was entirely possible that he thought if I could get closer to the prince, I might be able to extract more information from him.

He growled. “How’s another man in your bed going to work to my advantage?”

“You’re the one who brought it up!” I was nearly shaking with fury. “If you wanted someone to spy on Lucerne, perhaps you should take Princess Sophie to bed. She certainly seemed more than enamored with you. I am sure it would be an easy task.” I clicked my tongue. “Though I am quite certain I wouldn’t wish such a thing on such a lovely, amiable girl. I’d almost forgotten that you’d mentioned on your ball invite that you were currently seeking a bride.”

“Is that what you think?”

“Yes.” I gave an emphatic nod. “Unless that was merely part of the trap too?”

“The scandal of a royal marriage is always the best bait, but you obviously don’t know anything.”

“I know Sophie is intelligent, astute, capable. I know she would make a very good match for you. I know if you build an alliance with Lucerne, it would do Wünder very well. That’s what I know.”

He peered at my face. “Are you jealous?”

“No.”

His eyes darkened. “You are.”

“No! I’m simply⁠—”