He released me and left. I stared after him, my fingers stroking my now-empty throat where my locket had once resided before my touch lingered on Aiden’s pearl necklace. It was as if a huge weight had been lifted from my heart, and for the first time since Father had left, I felt…hope.
Chapter 18
The stern noblemen—particularly the attending king—watched us through narrowed eyes, as if trying to discern whether or not any of us were suitable to become the wife of Prince Deidric and thus the future Queen of Sortileya. I fought to maintain the proper posture expected of a princess as I sat with the royalty of Draceria, a difficult task under the heated scrutiny. Prince Liam had informed us in a whisper that the watching noblemen were the king’s most trusted advisors and were thus well-versed in royal knowledge.
They began the public interview, asking each of the two dozen princesses and noblewomen a question in turn, covering the topics Aiden had gone over in our late-night study session. I perched on the edge of my seat, clutching my hands in my lap, fighting not to fidget. Princess Elodie rested her hand on my bouncing knee.
“Do relax, Gemma.”
I took a wavering breath, but it did little to still my pounding heart. I reminded myself once again that I only had to do well enough not to get caught as an imposter, for I had no desire to marry the Dark Prince, nor was there any danger of my being chosen.
“I’m surprised by the nature of these tasks,” I said. “A proper, well-informed queen doesn’t ensure a happy marriage.” It had been Aiden’s primary complaint as last night’s studying had worn on.
“You know that marriage has little to do with love amongst the upper class,” Princess Rheanna said. “It’s all about alliances and power.”
I glanced at Prince Liam, who’d been alternating between avoiding looking at his own intended and sending Princess Lavena skewering glares, which she eagerly returned. I studied Princess Rheanna sitting beside me, the embodiment of a princess trained from birth to be a future queen. It seemed unfathomable that the Dark Prince had rejected her…unless there was something more he was looking for.
“Then why did Prince Deidric break off his engagement with you?” I hesitantly asked. “It would appear he desires something more in a match than a proper royal.”
Princess Rheanna’s manner hardened. “He obviously found me lacking. He’s quite particular.”
“Obviously not that particular, else he’d have more involvement in the competition. The fact that he doesn’t is undoubtedly strange…” Princess Elodie frowned thoughtfully before resting a gentle hand on her sister’s arm. “Please don’t think your broken engagement is through any fault of your own.”
Princess Rheanna jerked away, the pain in her eyes intensifying. “We mustn’t discuss it now. It’s improper to whisper when we’re expected to pay attention.” She turned her rigid expression towards the questioning advisors.
Princess Elodie sighed as she leaned towards my ear. “Unfortunately, what’s currently expected is completely boring.”
Despite the nerves knotting my stomach, I managed a half smile before forcing myself to turn my own attention to the advisor currently questioning Princess Aveline on an aspect of Sortileya’s government, which she answered smoothly.
I struggled to concentrate on her answer, a task made more difficult by the exhaustion pressing against my senses after my third night staying up late. I suppressed a yawn as Princess Rheanna was questioned next, followed by Princess Elodie, before the advisor finally turned the force of his stern gaze on me. I gulped.
“As you’re well aware, Princess Gemma, the Kingdom of Sortileya has a vast and rich history full of many important events and prominent royals. When did Sortileya become its own kingdom, what were the circumstances under which it was born, and who is a significant ruler that descended from this royal line that you feel contributed to making Sortileya the beloved kingdom it is today?”
I slowly released my pent-up breath. Aiden had been certain a question of this nature would arise and thus had prepared me thoroughly.
“Sortileya was founded 741 years ago. It was initially part of the Kingdom of Lyceria until a faction broke off, led by the king’s younger brother—who became Sortileya’s first ruler, Cowell the first—concerning the allocation of taxes. The portion of land taken from Lyceria was part of the younger prince’s inheritance, and over the years, Sortileya expanded through a series of treaties and invasions to become the prosperous kingdom it is today.”
I took another deep breath, taking courage from the questioning advisor’s nod of approval. So far I hadn’t muddled my answer. Now for the final portion of the question.
“The members of the current royal family aren’t direct descendants of the first Sortileyan king. King Cowell the first’s descendants only maintained power for a hundred years. The most notable ruler from his bloodline was the one responsible for changing the line of succession. When King Cowell the third fell ill with a mysterious illness, his heir, Prince Oscar, went on a quest to discover the antidote. Unbeknownst to him, the antidote had been created by an alchemist who was an enemy to the crown. Prince Oscar inadvertently poisoned the king and was executed for treason, causing the crown to pass to a distant cousin, whose family has ruled ever since.”
Despite the dark nature of the story, I managed a smile as an interesting tidbit Aiden had shared came to mind.
“It’s said that the antidote Prince Oscar acquired had been genuine but was replaced with poison by his sister, who was in love with the scheming cousin who inherited the throne. She exchanged the poison with the antidote in order to murder the king and frame her brother. The story serves as a lesson that if a ruler cannot discern his kingdom’s enemies, he’ll fall into their traps. This ensures only the shrewdest of rulers sit on the throne.”
By the deafening silence following the conclusion of my answer, I knew I’d made a mistake. Aiden had told me the tale as a way to help me remember the doomed Prince Oscar whose folly had transferred the crown to the ancestors of the current Sortileyan monarchy. By the way the advisors’ eyes widened and the other listeners guffawed, I realized too late that a future queen was expected to stick to straight facts rather than folklore.
“I see.” The questioning advisor cleared his throat. “Where did you hear a story not found in the royal histories?”
I fidgeted beneath the scrutiny of the disapproving audience. “Knowledge comes from a variety of sources,” I stuttered.
“Reliable sources. It is beneath a royal to engage in rumors.” And with a disapproving frown, the advisor turned to his next victim. I groaned quietly. Princess Elodie nudged me.
“Remember not to display emotion until you’re alone,” she said. “And goodness, where did you hear such a story?” She bit her lip to stifle her giggle as I obediently straightened and did my best to pretend to be a proper, emotionless human being.
“A nobleman told it to me.”
Princess Elodie raised her eyebrows. “Did he want you to fail?”
“No, it was to help me remember Prince Oscar.” Because for some strange reason, Aiden seemed to want me to make a good impression on the prince.
I forced myself not to think of Aiden or his motives as the interviews continued. While some of the princess candidates were more informed than others, all were as proper as expected, carefully keeping their personalities and any nerves hidden. I managed to do the same as I answered the next questions asked of me, my best response being the one concerning Sortileya’s foreign alliances, one I managed to keep free of Aiden’s humorous comments that had helped me stave off sleep and boredom the evening before. With each answer, the inquiring advisor seemed more satisfied with me—at least until I received my final question.
“A sustainable and thriving economy relies heavily on the efficiency and productivity of trade. Rulers must balance how many of the kingdom’s natural resources should be kept for its own people and how many should be traded for resources the kingdom lacks. O
utline all of Sortileya’s natural resources and how they’re used in trade with the surrounding kingdoms.”
My mouth went dry, and by the interviewer’s satisfied smirk, I knew he’d asked me such a question on purpose, as if setting me up to fail. While Aiden had mentioned trade, he hadn’t gone into great detail, believing that matters of trade wouldn’t be the focus of the questioning due to the tradition that past queens weren’t involved in such matters during their rule.
I frantically cast my gaze around, as if the answers I desperately sought would appear and save me from my own ignorance. From the astonishment I read in the watching audience and Princess Seren’s smirk, I realized this question had been a trap. Who was responsible for springing it? It didn’t matter; I was caught.
Hope fluttered within me as my gaze settled on Gavin, who I knew worked with Sortileya’s trade. There were no rules against asking for advice…
“Sir Gavin, please inform me about the nature of Sortileya’s trade.”
He blinked in surprise before smoothly giving the information in quite a bit of dull detail. I did my best to remember all the main points, which I restated for the advisor. He gave me a long, searching look before nodding once.
“That’s correct.”
Murmurs erupted at that, and several of the other candidates sent me frowns and piercing glares.
“It’s cheating to use information outside of one’s own knowledge,” Princess Lavena said. “Princess Gemma deserves to be disqualified.”
The interviewing advisor held up a hand to silence the harsh whispers. “No queen, no matter how intelligent or educated, can know everything. A true ruler must be humble enough to accept help when needed and be well informed on whom to ask.” He gave me another searching stare. “How did you know Sir Gavin could provide the answer?”
“I was informed he’s involved in Sortileya’s trade,” I said.
The interviewer managed a wrinkly smile. “It’s impressive that a stranger to our kingdom is so informed about Sortileya’s court.” He gave a satisfied nod before announcing that the second task had concluded.
The Dracerian royalty immediately congratulated me on what they considered a brilliant tactic, but their kind words did little to quell the unease now twisting my stomach. Princess Seren, Princess Lavena, and many noblewomen cast me dark, suspicious looks as they whispered behind their fans, the heat of their glares searching for my secrets. I may have survived the second task, but I felt in just as much danger of my true station being exposed than ever.
Dearest Eileen, There’s somewhere on the palace grounds I’m eager to show you, a place I know you’ll enjoy. Please spend the afternoon with me and allow me to take you there. Aiden
I beamed as I scampered ungracefully through the twisting corridors to the gardens outside, my heart fluttering in anticipation of the adventure to come.
I expected to find Aiden waiting at the front doors, but he was nowhere in sight. I paused on the front steps and nibbled my lip as I scanned the grounds. Aiden hadn’t told me where to meet him, meaning he could be anywhere. After several minutes of waiting, I wandered through the gardens, avoiding any strolling nobility. I didn’t find Aiden in any of the front or side gardens, so I searched the ones behind the palace that were devoid of guests, my heart tightening the longer I couldn’t find him.
“Eileen!”
Aiden hovered behind the curved entrance to a hedge maze that stretched nearly the entire length of the back garden. I sighed in relief and hurried over. I pressed my hands on my hips and tried to look stern, despite the smile already emerging at seeing him again.
“I didn’t anticipate a game of hide-and-seek.”
His expression twisted in remorse. “I’m sorry. My plans to meet you at the front doors were thwarted when all of His Majesty’s guests decided to take an afternoon stroll in the gardens.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Why is that a problem?” Did he not want to be seen with me? Was it improper of me to be cavorting with a nobleman and he didn’t want us to be caught?
“One of those prestigious guests happened to be the boring Duke of Rosewood, whose conversations are impossible to escape from. I decided to take cover until I could meet with you.” He caressed my cheek, his smile widening when I leaned against his fingers. “How did the second task go?”
“Well enough. There was only one answer I didn’t know, and everyone seemed surprised I’d been asked it at all. Thankfully, Gavin informed me of the details. And then there was my faux pas of sharing your folklore about Prince Oscar.”
Aiden grinned unrepentantly. “Did you really? Excellent.”
“How is that excellent? I received a lot of titters for that mistake.” I fought to make my tone stern, but it was impossible with the way Aiden’s eyes crinkled from his smile.
“Because I’m sure it livened up what was likely the dullest afternoon. The nobility are far too serious. Are you concerned about your mistake? I’d think it’d please you, considering you’re not interested in winning the prince’s hand.”
“I suppose you make a good point,” I said.
“Then you have no need to worry.” His brow furrowed, as if just realizing what I’d told him. “You sought help from Gavin for your question? I didn’t realize you two knew one another. Wait…does that mean you were asked about Sortileya’s trade?”
“He’s a distant relation of Rosie,” I said. “And yes, I was. I thought it unusual.”
“And did anyone else get asked such a question?”
I shook my head and his frowned deepened. His concern only escalated the worry knotting my gut. “Perhaps I’m mistaken and more were asked such questions, but I confess I scarcely paid attention to the others.”
As I’d hoped, Aiden’s grave expression softened. “I can’t blame you. It’s quite the accomplishment you didn’t fall asleep—or did you do that, too?”
I giggled and whacked his arm playfully. “I was certainly tired enough to do so, thanks to our late night.”
At my mention of last night, Aiden’s gaze lowered from mine to linger on my neck, where until yesterday Father’s locket had resided. He raised his eyes to search mine, his now lined with concern. “Are you alright?”
I caressed my neck where only the pearl necklace from Aiden remained. It still felt strange to no longer feel the locket’s familiar weight pressing against my heart. I hadn’t noticed how heavy it had been until it was no longer there.
“You’re worried I regret last night’s payment?”
He ran a hand through his hair and nodded, the concern filling his dark eyes intensifying. “I confess I could scarcely sleep for fearing I’d hurt you. That wasn’t my intention.”
“I know it wasn’t. That’s why I gave you my locket.”
He visibly relaxed, as if the worry that he’d hurt me had been his own heavy burden. He reached for my hand. “My brave girl.”
Heat swirled through my cheeks. My blush deepened as he began rubbing his thumb along the back of my hand, sending pulses rippling up my arm and straight to my heart.
“You promised to show me an area of the gardens that I would love. Is it the maze?”
He glanced over his shoulder at its formidable presence. “Ah, so you’ve noticed the infamous hedge maze, an excellent place to hide should you ever need one. We’ll explore it another day. I have another adventure in mind this afternoon.”
He entwined our hands but after only a few steps I paused to look out over the Forest surrounding the palace, the rustling branches calling to me.
“You miss it, don’t you?” Aiden asked gently.
“I’ve never gone so long without exploring the Forest.”
“In time you will again.” His voice was full of promise. He led me around the twisting outside hedge of the maze. Hidden behind it was a lovely blue-green pond full of cattails and speckled with lily pads, with golden koi swimming within.
As Aiden had predicted, I smiled widely. “What a lovely place.”
> “I knew you’d love it.” We settled on the bank so close that we were practically touching. My heart pattered faster at our proximity. “Most overlook this pond, considering it pales in comparison to the manicured beauty of the rest of the grounds, but you seem to appreciate a simpler, more natural beauty.”
He knew me well. I yanked off my shoes and dipped my feet in the cool water, an un-princess-like act to be sure, but it earned me one of Aiden’s endearing smiles, ones I coveted as much as he seemed to want to collect my own.
I leaned back on my elbows and gazed out over the pond and the dragonflies skimming its surface. “I wish I’d brought my sketchbook so I could preserve this scene forever.”
“We’ll return another day if you promise to allow me to watch you sketch what is sure to be another masterpiece.”
The blush already warming my cheeks deepened. He lightly traced it with his fingertip.
“Tell me, which picture do you have in mind for this scene: will you draw it from life or use the setting for a drawing inspired by your imagination?”
I pursed my lips in thought. “Perhaps both, as a tribute to such a lovely place.”
The place became even lovelier when Aiden’s arm wrapped around my waist to gently tug me against his side. It was both amazing how perfectly we fit together and rather startling the way my body responded—my heart flared to life as I melted against him, needing to be close to him. Despite these thrilling yet still terrifying sensations, I didn’t pull away. Instead, I laid my head on his shoulder.
Aiden began playing with the ends of my hair. “Have you forgiven me yet for entangling you in all this?”
“I have.” It seemed like so long ago that I’d been determined to be angry with him.
“I’m so glad. Are you happy here?” He asked it so tentatively, as if afraid of my answer.
I considered. While staying at the Sortileyan palace was still stressful, strangely it now almost felt like home, especially during the moments I spent with Aiden, as if every path I’d ever walked had led to him. With Aiden I felt grounded, as if no matter where I was, as long as we were together I was exactly where I was meant to be. It was both a frightening feeling and an incredibly comforting one.
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