Innocent Queen: A Court Intrigue Fantasy (The Forbidden Queen Series Book 2)

by R. J. Vickers

  The way he said my name sent a thrill up my spine. Maybe I should have let him stick to “Your Majesty” after all. “No, I think it’s a terrible idea, but nothing else is working. Most people don’t have to start out with the assumption everyone despises them. You, though—you managed to convince me your affection was genuine even though we were sworn enemies.”

  Leoth raked a hand through his hair, his expression unreadable. “Fine. I still think you’re making a mistake, though.” He straightened and gave me a lopsided smile. “What do you want to know?”

  “Everything. How do you charm people so easily? How do you get them to even talk to you in the first place?”

  “It depends on who I’m trying to charm. Most women are happy to receive attention from a handsome man—especially a prince—so they are flattered by the slightest smile or compliment. I can act as over-the-top as I wish, and they see it as a sign of my devotion.”

  I nodded tightly. That was exactly how he had first gone after me—with praise and attention that was obviously fake.

  “But that probably won’t work for you. If the man you’re trying to charm keeps avoiding you, he’ll consider it an act of desperation if you keep pursuing him.”

  “How do I—”

  “You need to devise a situation where you will naturally end up spending time with him, a public place where he can’t run away without raising eyebrows. An event, for instance, like a night of wine and games or a ball.”

  My fingers curled in my lap, gripping my skirts. Once again, this was exactly what Leoth had done to win me over. It had all been premeditated—how had I not seen that?

  “Then you need to allow yourself to appear vulnerable. Don’t act the temptress. Act like yourself, and share the things that scare you, the things you care about. Let your mask slip, and he won’t be able to resist you. Men like protecting those who seem helpless.” Leoth’s voice had gone quiet. His words came back to me from the night we had shared at the roadside inn, the night that felt no more substantial than a dream. I wanted to punch him.

  Leoth was right. I should not have asked him for this. But I knew now what I needed to do. I would host the annual Spring Crocus Ball and corner Morrisse there, where he had nowhere to flee.

  “You may go,” I said brusquely. “You have given me the information I need.”

  Leoth clambered to his feet, holding my gaze with his dark eyes. “Do you really think this is smart? You’re not like me. You don’t have much practice hiding things.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  20

  The Celebration of Spring

  B aridya helped lace up my gown, lavender trimmed with silver, while Deance pinned my hair into an intricate knot. The skirts floated around me in every direction, layer upon layer of cloudy tulle and silk, and I wore a heavy new crown that matched my gown, silver studded with amethysts. If I was to win Morrisse to my side, I had to appear as a vision of beauty and power, desirable to all who attended the Spring Crocus Ball.

  Nearly two quarters had passed since Leoth’s return, and we had already entered Reed-span, the second span of spring. The celebration usually fell near the middle of Dawn-span, but Mother did not think anyone would complain at the break from tradition. She was convinced a spectacular event like this would win favor among the palace residents, especially since all had been quiet since I imposed a curfew and increased the patrols around Baylore.

  Even now, revulsion at what we had done to Misha clung to me. A guard had broken into my old tower not long after Misha’s death and found nothing suspicious; meanwhile, the scribbled message had reached her husband, and rumors had spread through the palace. Gossiping courtiers tried to guess who her secret lover had been and what she had been so desperate to hide, but none came close to the truth. Though no one suspected me, I could not shake the fear that my guilt had somehow etched itself into my skin.

  Mellicante had accompanied me as I pored over the newest set of proposed laws and trade agreements, and I was grateful for her perspective. She seemed to have come to terms with her new position, for she no longer held barely concealed resentment in her gaze every time we met. Several times I came across her playing games or speaking quietly with my ladies-in-waiting; she seemed particularly taken with Baridya, with whom she appeared to have much in common.

  I could hardly remain still while my ladies-in-waiting worked. Even without Morrisse to worry about, I dreaded standing before my court once more. Outside, the sky was grey—hardly an auspicious sign for the celebration of spring. The smell of roasting lamb drifted through the palace, and from the common area, I could hear excited voices. The courtiers in the Cheltish wing certainly welcomed the idea of a grand event.

  “Are you nearly finished?” I shifted from foot to foot.

  “Are you nervous?” Baridya asked with a smile. “I thought you’d be used to this sort of thing.”

  “I haven’t faced the full court since before those murders. They might turn on me.”

  “Oh, don’t be silly. They’re eager for a bit of excitement. They wouldn’t ruin an opportunity like this.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “Nothing is going to go wrong,” Deance said. “It’s the Truthbringers I would worry about. I’ve still been going to their meetings, but I think they’ve been speaking to people outside the meetings. They’re planning something, and I can’t figure out what.”

  “That’s really helpful,” I said sarcastically. “I feel much better now.”

  Baridya laughed.

  At last I was dressed and ready. Baridya and Deance quickly changed into their own gowns and joined me in the common area, where Mother was waiting along with Cal, Mellicante, and most of the other Cheltish wing residents.

  “You look lovely,” Mother said, kissing the air beside my cheek. She was as regal as always, a small tiara pinned into her hair and a heavy pendant dangling from her neck.

  When I smiled at Cal, he flushed and stepped behind one of the guards.

  As we processed toward the ballroom, music rose to greet us, along with the soft rumble of voices. It looked as though most of the palace had already arrived, and they parted when I descended the stairs, leaving a pathway open to the throne. From the whispers and stares, the formal bows and curtseys, I guessed my elaborate gown had done its job. No one could take their eyes off me. When I reached the throne, I turned to face my guests, searching the crowd until I found Morrisse. Even he looked blank-faced with surprise, no trace of antagonism or wariness in his expression.

  The music fell silent, and the voices quieted as well.

  “Thank you for joining us today.” My voice resonated through the room. “The Spring Crocus Ball is a celebration of moving forward with life, leaving behind the dark and dangerous spans of winter. I hope that we as a city—as a nation—can come together once again as the sun returns and the trees blossom. I know it has been a trying time, but the increased security has done its job. There have been no further attacks in recent quarters.”

  A ripple of murmuring passed through the crowd.

  “I wish only to protect my people, to keep Baylore safe from both violence and internal division. I hope you can see now that my decisions as queen have done nothing but good for Itrea. It will take a long time to convince the city of my good intentions, but I hope you can see the murders were not my doing. Someone seeks to tarnish my name—my reputation—and I need as much support as I can get from within the palace if we are to change this. If we do not come together now, our government might not be able to stand firm. We might crumble.”

  I caught sight of Dennoric whispering to a young woman, a sneer curling his lip; I tore my eyes from him before I lost the thread of my speech.

  “Today’s celebration of spring is a symbol of my intention to renew the glory of Baylore Palace. I hope to work with each one of you to strengthen our country and retain the peace we have enjoyed for so long.”

  To my amazement, I could sense no hostility
from my guests. Here I stood, before two hundred palace residents, and they all seemed willing to listen to me. It was unprecedented.

  “And today, I invite you to enjoy yourselves. Feast on the best Itrea has to offer, drink our finest vintages, and dance the night away.

  At this, the musicians struck up a lively tune, and the soft rumble of conversation rose once more. Many eyes lingered on me, especially men’s, and I could see appreciation in their gazes. I was finally winning them over. I had never thought this would happen.

  Normally the queen would have been the first on the dance floor; as I lacked a partner, however, I descended from my throne and made for the refreshments table, where I might tempt a few other men to ask for a dance before I approached Morrisse. Other couples began to spill onto the floor while the onlookers pulled aside—I spotted Saniya and Carrick, Pollard and his wife, and Leoth and Lady Eshaline. Though I had expected it, jealousy bit at me when I saw the way Leoth gazed at Lady Eshaline. The fact that she had waited for him the entire time he was away from Baylore meant their relationship was serious. I hated it.

  Baridya, Deance, and Mellicante followed me over, selecting glasses of wine and baked delicacies, while Cal hovered near the back of the ballroom, evidently avoiding his mother. I had not spoken with Mellicante much since the awful night we spent disposing of Misha’s body, but I often found her speaking with my ladies-in-waiting or joining them in a game.

  “I would have expected you to find a partner straightaway,” Baridya said.

  “I don’t actually know this dance,” I said. “But if no one approaches me, it’s not a good sign.” Baridya and Deance both knew about my plan to speak with Morrisse tonight, and had pledged to help me in any way they could.

  “They’re just intimidated,” Deance said with a smile. “If you show you’re willing to dance with anyone who approaches you, others might give it a try.” She lifted a hand and waved to Cal, then jerked her head. With a grimace, he pushed his way around the onlookers and trotted our way. “I’m sure Cal wouldn’t say no to a dance.”

  “Oh, don’t tease the poor boy,” I said.

  “What is it?” Cal asked, stopping before us. He looked dapper in a dark blue silk doublet and black breeches, his curls more or less tamed. I realized he had grown in recent spans—he was now a finger’s breadth taller than I.

  “Kalleah needs a dance partner,” Baridya said, grabbing Cal’s arm and tugging him forward. “You didn’t seem to be doing anything.”

  “Oh.” Cal reddened. “D’you want to dance the next song with me?”

  “I would be honored,” I said, giving him a playful smile. He still seemed enamored with me, which was dangerous. I did not want to encourage him. “And then perhaps my ladies would like to take a turn.”

  “I don’t dance,” Mellicante said at once. She was wearing a man’s coat with tails and leggings, and stood with her hands folded over her chest in a defensive manner.

  “I’m sure Cal doesn’t want to dance with you anyway,” Baridya said, nudging Mellicante and grinning as though they shared a secret.

  The next song was a familiar one, so we fell into step quickly, Cal’s hand sweaty in mine. We cut a wide swathe through the center of the ballroom, dozens of eyes following us.

  To distract Cal, I said, “I need to dance with Morrisse at some point tonight. I have to speak to him, to charm him. It’s the only way I can think of to get support for banning Truthbringers.”

  Cal nodded, his brow furrowed.

  “Can you keep an eye on him? Enjoy yourself first, but if you’re ever caught with nothing to do, see if you can approach him and talk about how wonderful I am. Or something.”

  “Yeah, I can do that.”

  As soon as the dance ended, I collected my goblet of wine and headed in Saniya’s direction—before I could reach her, though, Leoth intercepted me. Lady Eshaline was nowhere to be seen.

  “Is this what I think it is?”

  “Go away, Leoth.”

  “A chance to seduce your mysterious man? I look forward to seeing who it is.”

  “Leoth—”

  “Will you spare a dance for me?”

  “Why? Can’t you leave me alone?”

  He smiled roguishly. “It would serve your scheme well. The more men you dance with, the more desirable you appear, and the less your quarry will be able to resist. Especially if your partners are as handsome as I.”

  “You’re an arrogant ass, you know that?”

  Still smiling, Leoth held out his arms as the music started up. The dance was a Bashard, one I was very familiar with, and I tried to concentrate on the steps and the spins and the crescendoing music so I could forget who I was partnered with. But it was not that easy. Though Leoth only let his hand rest lightly on my waist, his touch still sent shivers through me, and when our hands met, I could not suppress the flood of memories.

  “Won’t Lady Eshaline get mad at you for neglecting her?” I asked, my throat tight with anger and sorrow.

  “Maybe that’s my plan. I’m trying to turn her against you to erode your base of support.”

  “What base of support? I wasn’t aware I had one.”

  We turned in a sweeping circle, my skirts flaring around me, and I caught sight of Leoth’s mother, Nashella, watching me with a thunderous expression.

  “Or are you doing this to upset your parents?” I asked.

  “Good guess. Or maybe I can’t resist you, even though I’ve tried a hundred times to destroy you. You know, Lady Eshaline is quite the beauty. Are you even a little bit jealous?”

  “Of course not,” I said through gritted teeth.

  “Ooh, I’ve struck a nerve,” Leoth taunted. “I bet you can’t stand seeing her on my arm. No other men have tried to court you since I left, and you’re starting to think you’re doomed to spend the rest of your life alone.”

  The dance brought us close together, and I stomped on Leoth’s foot. I smiled grimly at his hiss of pain. “I was already doomed to spend my life alone. You don’t have to point out the obvious. Though I’ll have you know, plenty of men are awed by my beauty and grace.”

  “By that do you mean Prince Calden? He’s just a child. You don’t have to take advantage of those younger than you.”

  I stopped dancing abruptly, pulling away from Leoth, but he grabbed my hand. “At least finish the dance, Your Majesty. It would cause a stir if you left halfway through.”

  “More of a stir than the sight of Itrea’s queen dancing with her greatest rival? I might as well ask Dennoric for the next dance—he’s loathsome, but he would be preferable to you.”

  “Just a—”

  “Quiet. I’ll dance with you if you promise not to speak another word.”

  Leoth nodded and pressed his lips together with exaggerated solemnity. I fell reluctantly back into place, one hand on his waist, the other lightly resting in his hand. This time I kept my eyes fixed on a spot over his shoulder, the room passing by in a blur of colorful skirts and whirling couples. His hands were so gentle, his steps so fluid; even now, desire warred with repulsion. How was it possible to still crave the touch of someone I despised so deeply?

  When the dance finished at last, I hurried away from Leoth while the other pairs were still bowing and curtseying to one another. I did not trust myself to speak. I felt weary, unable to face the rest of the dance; once I reached the edge of the dance floor, I sank into an empty chair and grabbed the nearest drink, a fragrant bramble and mint liqueur. Though it stung my throat, I drank it in large sips, my hand shaking. Leoth was toying with me, as he always had. He taunted and teased and flirted, tangling my emotions until I could no longer sort out what was real.

  Baridya threaded her way through the crowd and dropped into the empty chair by my side, fanning her face.

  “Did I just see you dancing with Prince Leoth?” she whispered, eyes wide with curiosity. “I thought he was your enemy.”

  “I’m trying to dance with as many partners as possible bef
ore I approach Morrisse,” I said dully, draining the last of the liqueur. “I need to make myself seem desirable. But plagues, I hate that man.”

  “Do you want me to spy on him? To see if I can charm him into revealing any secrets?”

  I immediately bristled with jealousy at the thought. “No, stay far away from him. He’s more dangerous than he looks.” I gave Baridya a sideways look. “Is that your answer to everything? Seduce people until they can’t help but do what you want?”

  She giggled. “Well, it is rather effective.”

  We sat out the next two dances, while I finished another glass of bramble liqueur. My head was beginning to swim slightly, but at least it dulled the ache of Leoth’s presence. Part of me wished he had never returned from King’s Port, while another part craved his attention even now.

  At last I stood, thankfully still steady on my feet, and sought a new partner. I danced with Carrick, who approached when Saniya was taking a rest; with crooked-nosed Jassor, my distant relative who I was fairly sure only cared for men, though he could certainly dance well; with Ornan, whom I had allowed to rejoin the Reycoran family guards for the night; and with several other men I did not know.

  At last, I decided it was time to approach Morrisse. The night was growing late, I was still warm and just a touch fuzzy-headed from the liqueur, and he could no longer accuse me of forcing my company now I had proven such a desirable dance partner. Cal had reported that Morrisse spent most of the evening watching me, only dancing occasionally with other women.

  When I drew near, Morrisse bowed. It seemed he had been expecting me.

  “Would you be interested in a dance?” I asked lightly.

  “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He set aside his goblet and held out his arm. “I must admit, you intrigue me. I looked forward to this opportunity.”

  “Really? Until now, it seemed you could hardly endure my company.”

  He ducked his head, looking ashamed. “I did not want to be seen as conspiring behind the backs of the other holden monarchs, Your Majesty.” I placed a hand on his arm, and he led me onto the dance floor, away from the curious gazes of his family. “We are in a difficult political situation, and I confess myself not the most astute politician.”