"Oh, be careful with her, she works for—"
"I'm aware," Theo said, kissing the side of my mouth. "And then your mother put on her bitch queen face and dragged me from person to person to person so I would be 'presentable.'" She paused and picked at the ends of her hair, which was shinier and smoother than normal. "Apparently, nobody's ever done a Raven's hair before because they spent a good half-hour talking about how different it is."
"Is it different?" I asked, threading my hands through it. I supposed it was a bit coarser, now that I thought about it.
"And then this woman waxed every single part of my face, and yet another decided to lather me with makeup." She frowned. "Nobody in this castle has anything close to my skin color."
I swallowed a smile, because she was starting to look upset by the whole thing.
"And all of that happened before I was marched in front of this dressmaker and my measurements were read aloud—in front of this photographer. So I'm sure my waist and bust size will be all over the newspapers tomorrow."
I brushed a strand of hair out of her face. "Where was Mom?"
"There, the whole time," Theo said, sitting back. "I know she said this was going to be unpleasant, but....this was just too much. Galian, I was humiliated."
I pulled her down to my chest and held her. "I'm sorry, amichai. Do you want me to talk to Mom about it?"
"No," she said. "I know this is just part of it. But how does treating me like a prized cow stop the treaty?"
"Maybe it disarms people?" I said. "I mean, you're scary when you're in full Major Kallistrate mode. Maybe Mom was trying to...I don't know, make people unafraid of you? So that they'd lower their guard around you. I can almost guarantee that most of Kylaen society is going to think you're beneath them."
"Thanks."
"I'm not saying they're right," I said quickly. "I'm saying that's what you've got to expect. And if I could," I grabbed her hips and shifted her closer to me, "I'd whisk you away and we could live on our island. But if we want this treaty to change, we've gotta suck up to these morons. And when you finally do break out full Major Kallistrate, they won't know what hit them."
She toyed with the collar of my shirt. "I didn't like that you weren't here today. I wanted us to do this together, and when you're gone, it's like..."
"You know, you can come visit me at the hospital any time," I said, unbuckling her pants. "In fact, I'd love it. We could have a quickie in the doctors' lounge like I've always dreamed about—"
She smacked me on the shoulder. "Is sex the only thing you think about?"
"Right now? Yes." She moved to smack me again, but I grabbed her hand and pulled her down on the couch, pinning her beneath me. "But I want you to visit me. I want us to try to be as normal as possible."
"Normal."
"Yeah, normal," I said. "Normally, a new husband wants to show his new wife off to all the staff. And have quickies with her in the doctors' lounge."
She poked my chest. "You can't tell them we're married."
"Fiancée, whatever." I stopped my attempts to disrobe her. "But I'm serious. I want us to try to find some kind of balance between the bullshit and ourselves. Because somehow I think you and I will never have a normal life together."
She softened. "So what's normal?"
"Normal is going into that bedroom over there and having some awesome sex before I pass the hell out."
"You are so romantic."
EIGHTEEN
Theo
Galian's insistence on trying for some kind of normalcy had seemed farfetched, but when I awoke to the smell of breakfast and coffee, I couldn't argue that seeing him across the breakfast table felt kind of nice. More importantly, it was the only part of my day where I could have a real, honest conversation with another person. Maybe my princeling was smarter than I'd given him credit for.
He had very little to share with me, other than general conversation about patients and his colleagues' constant questions about our relationship. He'd told Maitland about our marriage in confidence, and the old doctor had been thrilled. But Galian hadn't been able to meet with Olivia, or make any overtures toward her. As he gathered his belongings for work, he promised me (with a sensual kiss that left me weak in the knees) that he would redouble his efforts. I was unhappy that he was leaving me (again), but I supposed I understood.
My solitude was fleeting, as Filippa arrived almost as soon as Galian had left. She had taken her cue from the queen and was now treating me like I was a child. I considered what Galian had said about people underestimating me. And if Filippa thought me beneath her, she probably wasn't going to pay too close attention to my activities.
"The queen said you were gathering a list of charities that I was to be...helping with," I said, unsure what my role would actually be.
"Yes," Filippa said with a small curl of her lip. "Unfortunately, I've been unable to get the list yet."
I wondered if that was because Grieg wanted to approve it or was stonewalling me.
"The queen is busy tending to the planning of your engagement party, but she's requested that you begin calling on esteemed members of Kylaen society."
"And...what does 'calling on' mean?"
Filippa raised her chin a little higher. "It means simply that. You will meet with the spouses of the Kylaen ministers. I assume you know how the Kylaen government is structured?"
As much as I didn't want to admit my ignorance, I shook my head.
"We have six—seven provinces now," she said with a broad smile. "And six ministers to manage six cabinets. Each of them sits on the king's council. There are vice ministers and aides you'll meet with in time. The queen expects you to know all of them."
Filippa ran through a list of times and names and locations of meetings she'd scheduled for me. There was a car waiting downstairs, and I was to wear the outfit that she'd picked, which turned out to be a starchy pantsuit in pale pink that looked utterly ridiculous on me.
I tugged at the sleeves, wincing at the horrible way they clashed with my skin color. Filippa had the same woman from the day before come do my hair and makeup, and, yet again, I stared at a stranger in the mirror.
"And the queen's not going to be coming today?" I asked for the fifth time. "Can I talk with her before we go?"
"Sorry," Filippa said, holding the door open for me. "We're on a—"
"Tight schedule."
I followed her down a set of back stairs, each step filling me with dread. After yesterday's embarrassment, I didn't think things could get any worse. But if it was Korina's plan to make me look like an idiot...she was definitely succeeding.
"O-oh," Filippa said, stopping short. "Your Highness."
I glanced up, and my hopes lifted. Rhys stood against the door, talking with a driver I didn't recognize. He offered Filippa a nice smile as he pushed himself upright.
"Heya, sis!" He glanced at Filippa. "Well, soon-to-be-sis."
"I didn't have you on the schedule," Filippa said with a frown.
"One of the perks of being the heir is that I get to make the schedule," he said with a daring glance. Then, as her face turned bright red, he plucked the clipboard out of her hand. "But we'll make sure to stick to the one you've laid out."
"But—"
"I'm sure Mom needs help with planning their engagement party," Rhys said. "Why don't you take the day to help her?"
An argument seemed on the tip of her tongue, but instead, she nodded, spun on her heel, and walked away.
"Thank God," I said when she was out of earshot.
"That's the reaction I want every time you see me," he said with a laugh. "What the hell are you wearing?"
"Filippa chose it," I said with a glare. "Can I change?"
"Into what?" Rhys said, holding open the door for me. "You look every bit the princess."
"That's the point," I said, slumping into the car. "I'm not a princess."
"I mean, technically—"
My glare cut him off.
"All right, all right. Technically, not yet. But that reminds me." Rhys dug into his pocket and tossed me a small box. "From Mom. Well, supposedly from Gally."
I opened the box and my eyebrows went to my hairline. The bright red jewel stared up at me from a silver ring, carved with the symbol of Kylae.
"This thing is ugly," I said, pulling it out of the box. "And heavy. Tell me I only have to wear this in public."
"Just my luck. The one time I give a girl a ring," Rhys said with a chuckle. "You know, I'd hoped to give that to my future wife. Guess I'll get to have the second best wedding of the century."
"You want to get married in three months? Be my guest." I swallowed my disgust as I threaded my finger through the ring. It fit, but still felt strange on my hand. I missed the simplicity of my actual wedding band. "But...thanks for saving me from Filippa." I swallowed a comment about Galian not being there for me. I knew he had to go to the hospital to work, but it was starting to feel like we were back to doing everything separately.
"Well, how could I pass up the opportunity to spend a day with my lovely sister?" Rhys said, glancing out the window.
"How come I sense an ulterior motive then?"
He flashed me a familiar grin. "Fine. I'm also tagging along to chit-chat with some of the spouses who happen to sit on the hawkish side of things. Remind them that everyone has secrets, and I'm in a position to use them, if necessary."
The car reached the front gates of the castle and was swarmed by flashing lights. Reflexively, I curled away from them.
"Relax, the windows are tinted. We don't want them printing stories about how I'm stealing my brother's fiancée," Rhys said with a laugh.
"Yeah, can you do anything about these stories being printed about us?" I asked. This morning's was particularly false, talking about how we were getting to know one another over tea and insinuating that Galian was taking refuge at the hospital. The second part didn't feel too far off from the truth.
"That's Father," Rhys said. "Though I enjoyed the story about how you two bonded recently over a game of squash."
"I don't even know what squash is."
"It's a game... You know what? Never mind. It's probably better if you don't know."
The car drove us to a part of Norose I'd never seen before. Old houses with gold trim, immaculate green yards with iron fences. The air seemed sweeter, the sun looked a little brighter. And, of course, the car pulled up in front of the largest, most ornate house on the block.
"One thing before we get out," Rhys said, taking my hand before I opened the door. "This woman is the definition of Kylaen elitism. She's going to say and do things that will make you want to deck her. But she's also the lead patron of a very expansive charity helping Raven refugees. So if you want to speak to Anson, you're going to have to get her to invite you to help out."
"And how do I do that?"
"Just stay silent and let me do all the talking."
Rhys was the epitome of princely perfection as he stepped out of the car, adjusting his suit jacket and helping me out. I tried to emulate the way he tossed his shoulders back and strode confidently toward the house as if he owned it, but I undoubtedly failed miserably. After all, in a few decades, he would own this land, whereas I would permanently be a stranger.
The butler was there even before we rang the doorbell, and we walked into the old home, which was decorated with gold pieces and oil paintings that rivaled the castle I now called home. In Kernaghan, the decor seemed sparse and tasteful. Here it just looked like someone with too much money had tried to cram as much as possible into a small space.
That this woman could also be involved in charity work was astonishing.
"Prince Rhys! I wasn't aware you'd be calling on me." The woman who owned the house was dressed like her décor—too many baubles and jewels for such a small woman. The brooch on her lapel was the size of my fist, the pin in her hair held at least six diamonds. If she hadn't been expecting Rhys, perhaps she was trying to intimidate me with her wealth. Perhaps Galian hadn't been too far off about Kylaens underestimating me.
"Mrs. Kopec, always a pleasure," Rhys said, walking into the old woman's waiting arms and pecking her twice on the cheek. "You're looking well."
"Oh, yes. Just wonderful news about this treaty, isn't it?" she said, ignoring me completely and leading Rhys into a small room where tea was waiting. I saw only two cups, and she made no move to ask for a third as they sat across from each other.
"Mrs. Kopec, this is my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Major Theo Kallistrate," Rhys said, finally noticing me standing awkwardly in the doorway.
"Oh, you don't have to put on airs with me, son," Kopec said, snorting in my direction. "Your poor brother. Forced to marry a Raven to solidify a treaty. The Ravens should be thankful we're allowing them back into the country at all."
I opened my mouth to retort, but a hearty laugh from Rhys cut me off. "You're too kind. Galian's a nice sort of fellow. He'll make a decent husband. Eventually." He glanced at me with equal parts apology and warning.
"It's a shame you couldn't marry first, Your Highness," Kopec said. "But I suppose it's for the best. We've got to keep the royal Kylaen bloodline pure."
This time, I didn't need the warning glance, as I balled my fists against the pastel pink cushions of the chair and focused on the patterns. I kept reminding myself that she was the ticket to Anson.
"As my brother would probably tell you, cut us all up and we look about the same," Rhys said. "Isn't that right, Theo?"
I didn't trust my tongue not to say something I'd later regret, so I stayed silent.
"Speaking of our new Raven citizens, or, I suppose they're back to Kylaen citizens," Rhys said, placing his teacup on the saucer. "My soon-to-be sister needs something to occupy her time, now that she's not flying planes. She was hoping to get involved with your charity."
Kopec turned and smiled, but there was no kindness in it. "Of course. Those poor creatures can't possibly help themselves. I mean, we offered them a chance to rule their own country and see what they did?"
I made a noise before Rhys cut me off again. "Theo and I are just so touched you've taken the time to offer your help to those less fortunate," Rhys said, his gaze boring into mine. "And those less fortunate should keep quiet and allow her to help them."
"They do, Your Highness, they do," Kopec said. "Bless their hearts, they just need all the help they can get."
"I would presume," I said, ignoring the confused look on Kopec's face as I spoke for the first time, "that those less fortunate can make up their own damned minds. And they can absolutely fend for themselves given enough freedom to breathe."
Sure, I knew I wasn't supposed to say anything. But I'd taken enough Kylaen arrogance for one week, and I wasn't about to keep quiet anymore.
"Oh, Theo," Rhys said with a forced laugh and a look that could've killed. "Isn't she just a treat?"
Kopec turned back to him and laughed, and soon they were discussing other matters, and I was forgotten. I swallowed and tried to calm myself without appearing too agitated. This woman was either oblivious or too focused on her appearance to take note of our argument. Either way, Rhys was going to discuss this with me after.
"Well, would you look at the time," Rhys said, making a huge show of checking his watch. "I apologize. We've got to go visit Minister Bassett today—"
"Oh, but didn't you hear?" Kopec said, sipping her tea daintily. "She's decided to take a position in Rave. Your father asked her to help Bayard restructure the government."
For the briefest of moments, a sliver of shock passed over his face. But he hid it well, and stood with Kopec to wish her well.
"Theo, dear, would you mind running to the car and telling him we're ready to go?" he said, without looking at me.
I stood, already dreading the conversation we'd have in the car, but grateful to be leaving this woman. Even though she might've been able to get me into the slums, I wasn't sure I could get there without trying to shove h
er into the Madion Sea.
I was almost halfway out the door when I heard a loud gasp. I spun and hurried back toward the room we'd been sitting in. I heard low voices, so I kept out of sight, straining my ears for the content of the conversation, but came up empty.
I jumped when the door flew open and I came face to face with Rhys, who looked upset. He looped his arm through mine and we walked to the car in silence.
"So—" I began once the car door was shut.
"I thought I told you to keep your opinions to yourself," he said. "It's a good thing Kopec's got a short memory from all the booze or else you would've been sunk."
"Didn't Galian tell you that's not my area of expertise?" I watched her house disappear out the window. "What did you do to her?"
"I did nothing. She's the one who's run up a credit with the Kylaen Royal Bank," Rhys said. "I just informed her that I had the power to call in her debts."
I wrenched my gaze to him, shocked. "You did what? How could you do that?"
"Do you know who she's married to?" Rhys replied. "He's one of the ministers who helped my father negotiate this treaty with Bayard. He'd have the entire country of Rave in chains and working the barethium mines."
I chewed my lip, unconvinced.
"Theo, when you were at Vinolas, you shot down hundreds of Kylaens, didn't you? So how is this any different? Treaty or not, we're still at war. And in war, you've got to kill or be killed."
I thought it a little rich that Rhys of all people was lecturing me on the realities of war. "You're right. When I was in the air, it was kill or be killed. But it's an entirely different scenario when you're looking into someone's eyes."
"I know that. But if you think this was bad...Theo, we're down to our last options here. We don't have time to think about other people. You're going to have to grow into someone who's okay with...metaphorically killing someone while staring them in the face." He sighed. "Besides, I'm not doing anything. I just told her that if she didn't get you invited to her next visit to the slums, and if she didn't start feeding us information about what her husband is up to in Rave, we'd bankrupt her. She does what we say, nothing happens."
The Complete Madion War Trilogy Page 60
