by Tanya Bird
‘Is that true?’ Xander asked, eyes never leaving Leksi.
He had no idea. He had been inside every drinking house and tavern in the village, but he had never stepped foot inside the church. ‘I’ve heard good things.’
Xander nodded. ‘All right.’
Aldara left to tend the children who had begun screaming at one another, and Tyron placed a hand on Leksi’s shoulder. ‘It’s settled, then. Just tell me what you need.’
There was warmth in the gesture, but Leksi found himself pulling away as he stood. ‘I think we’ll be just fine for now.’ He smiled down at Xander. ‘The sooner we leave, the sooner I can teach you to swim.’ He took hold of the boy’s shoulders and turned him away from the group.
‘Leksi,’ Tyron called to his back.
He turned.
‘I will organise for a physician to visit each day and tend that wound.’
Leksi nodded. ‘Thank you.’
He walked away with a heavy feeling sitting low in his gut. Something had broken inside of him.
Did he love her? That was what the boy wanted to know.
The answer was a soul-crushing yes.
Chapter 26
Leksi had just finished with the physician when there was a knock at his door.
‘Enter,’ he called, not looking up from the bag he was packing. It would only be Charis or Tyron.
Another knock. He stilled and frowned at the door before making his way over to it. When he opened it, his eyebrows rose in surprise. Standing there alone was Tyron’s sister, Queen Cora. He leaned his good shoulder against the doorframe, watching as she assessed him. Her hands were folded neatly in front of her, and she looked every bit the queen in her sheer lace dress and gold crown. Her eyes finally met his.
‘You are supposed to bow before the Queen of Zoelin,’ she said, her tone even.
His mouth twitched. ‘My apologies, Your Majesty.’ He stepped back from the door and bowed. ‘I heard you were visiting, but I didn’t realise you were still here. Your husband must be missing you by now.’
‘He copes rather well in my absence.’
He nodded. ‘You look different.’
‘How so?’ she asked, raising her chin a little higher.
He studied her face. ‘A little defeated, perhaps. How is married life?’
‘Exactly how I imagined it to be—very fulfilling.’
‘I see you kept your dry sense of humour.’
She held up her right hand. A pattern of ink wound her middle finger and spread over the back of her hand. ‘Plus I have the pleasure of being stabbed with needles and painted like a cheap piece of canvas.’
He tried not to laugh. ‘Your husband honours you with his marks.’
She rolled her eyes. ‘He likes to watch, and he enjoys it far too much.’
Leksi smiled. ‘And I bet you stare him down the entire time.’
‘You know me well.’
He glanced over his shoulder. ‘I would invite you in, but that would hardly be appropriate.
‘Not with your reputation, no.’
His gaze returned to her. ‘What can I do for you, Queen Cora of Zoelin?’
She looked past him, as though checking if anyone else was in there with him. ‘I hear you have possession of King Nilos’s illegitimate son.’
‘What of it?’
Her head tilted. ‘Why?’
‘His mother asked that I take care of him.’ She was watching him with a more serious expression than he was used to.
‘You seem an odd choice of guardian.’
‘She trusts me.’
There was silence as she processed his comment. ‘I see. She is in love with you.’
He shifted against the door. ‘Why would you assume that?’
One shoulder lifted in a shrug. ‘Most women fall in love with you eventually.’ She looked away for a moment. ‘That still does not answer my question of why you agreed. I have known you most of your life, and you generally flee from responsibilities unrelated to war. I imagine there are far more suitable guardians up to it.’
‘I am up to it.’
She eyed him. ‘Why is everyone falling over themselves for this woman? Is she some sort of witch?’
He shook his head. ‘I’m surprised you haven’t met given how much time you spend with your new friends.’
‘I would not remember if I had. They are all the same to me—expensive dresses and loose morals.’
Leksi looked down, his face void of any humour.
‘Perhaps I saw her once during our last trip to Corneo. I thought it unusual that the king would have the castle’s mentor at his side. It was even more unusual the way his eyes followed her every move. That form of lust is a disease, and it will be his undoing.’
Leksi swallowed. He was trying not to think about her back at that place, under the king’s control once again. It did things to his mind.
An image flashed of her lying in the mud, clutching her stomach as she laughed. That was how he wanted to remember her, but fear never left him. He knew the only way she would survive would be to retreat so far within herself, there would be no chance of ever recovering the woman he had fallen in love with.
‘There’s no denying her beauty’ was all he could say.
Cora watched him for a moment and then tutted. ‘I suspect she might be the first woman who has ever truly gotten to you, Sir Leksi. Am I right?’
Again, no words came. Where were the inappropriate jokes and smutty humour when he needed them?
‘Oh, dear,’ Cora said. ‘It seems we are both a little defeated.’
Cora had always been good at reading people, and he felt utterly exposed in that moment. ‘Is there something specific you wanted, Your Majesty?’
Her eyes searched the corridor before replying. ‘I suggest you do not push Tyron away. He is your best asset at the moment. I would hate to see you lose your life or be locked up for treason.’
He searched her for sincerity. ‘I appreciate your concern.’
She swallowed. ‘Take it from me, there is nothing more dangerous than an angry king.’
She seemed vulnerable in that moment, a rare sight.
‘I’m very sorry if I’ve treated you poorly over the years. Despite your vile nature, you probably don’t deserve my endless taunting.’
‘You dare call the Queen of Zoelin vile?’ Her eyes shined at him. ‘You better hope my husband does not hear of your disrespect. His temper is worse than mine.’
‘Which is exactly why I didn’t invite you into my room.’
She straightened and tucked her inked hand beneath her unmarked one. ‘It was good to see you, Sir Leksi.’ She bowed her head.
‘And you, Your Majesty.’ He bowed low. ‘Say hello to your husband for me.’
She went to leave and then stopped. ‘I am on my way to Chelia, where I am to accompany my husband to the flag tournament.’
Leksi’s breath caught. ‘You’re going to Corneo?’
She nodded. ‘As you are aware, Zoelin is neutral with regards to any squabbles between Syrasan and Corneo.’
He got her meaning. ‘Of course.’
‘And my husband does not need additional reasons to distrust me.’
‘I understand.’ He knew King Jayr well enough to know any secrets he exposed would not end well for her.
Her eyes moved over his face. ‘I often write to my family, updating them on my news. Naturally, every letter is read by someone before it leaves Onuric Castle, so I am always careful about the information I include.’ Her fingers moved over the ink on her hand. ‘I know my brother will be happy to share any news he believes might be of interest to you in the coming months.’
Leksi held onto the doorframe, demonstrating his understanding with a single nod.
‘Good day, Sir Leksi,’ she said before floating off down the corridor.
‘Safe travels, Your Majesty,’ he called after her.
Chapter 27
Petra thought she was prepared
for her old life. She thought she would sink back into her role, like putting on worn boots that had moulded to fit your feet over the years.
What she was not prepared for was change.
‘You are the new mentor?’ she asked Nyla for the second time.
The former Companion nodded, trying to appear more confident than she likely felt at that moment. Nyla had belonged to Prince Kyril, who would now select another at the tournament. Two years with the same Companion was almost a record at Masville.
While Nyla was more than capable of performing the role, it begged the question of why King Nilos had chosen to replace Petra when he was so determined to get her back. She was not surprised to hear he had sold his own Companion in her absence. It had been a disaster from the onset.
‘I am more than capable of mentoring,’ Nyla said a little defensively.
‘I agree.’
‘I have been in the role a few months now.’
Petra looked around the room. ‘So you were given the role of mentor, with no one to mentor?’
Nyla smiled her best Companion smile. Or was it her best mentor smile?
‘That all changes today,’ she said.
Petra was still in her robe. She had just taken her second bath since arriving. Bath, sleep, bath. At some point she would need to eat.
She looked around the dressing room, spotting the impractical gown laid out on the chair for her. She wished she could put on one of the plain cotton dresses she had worn in Veanor. Of course, Leksi would have loved the sheer fabric. For him, she would wear it. She could almost picture his face as he looked her up and down.
‘What changes today?’ she asked absently, trying to pick up the conversation again.
‘The flag tournament is tomorrow, and both princes will be selecting new Companions.’
Petra’s head throbbed. ‘Wonderful. And the king?’ she asked dryly.
Nyla lifted the dress and held it up so Petra could see it properly. It was blue silk with jewels sewn along the plunging neckline. ‘King Nilos picked it out himself. You will be accompanying him to the tournament.’
Petra stared at the gown, imagining the king’s hungry gaze on her. ‘He wants me to attend the tournament?’ She looked to Nyla. ‘I only returned yesterday, and now he expects me to play Companion for the day?’
Nyla swallowed. ‘Not for the day.’
It took Petra a moment to register her meaning, or perhaps her mind was blocking the sentiment. ‘I see.’ She locked her knees so they would not buckle beneath her. ‘The king is not getting a Companion, because… he already has one.’
Nyla tried to smile. ‘You understand. It just never works out with the others. His first choice has always been you.’
It was meant as a compliment, but Petra had to turn away from the words. ‘It does not work with me either. Perhaps you have both forgotten that. I will just end up pregnant.’
‘We are starting you on the herbs today.’
Petra fought the urge to put her hands over her ears. ‘They do not work on me. That is why I have a five-year-old son.’
Nyla remained composed, like a good mentor. ‘We will find a way to make this work.’
It took Petra a moment to get control of her emotions, her throat tight and her ears starting to ring. ‘He has already taken nine years of my life. No other Companion has suffered as long as I have.’
‘It is an honour—’
‘Stop speaking before I pick up that chair and throw it at you.’
Nyla paled. ‘What on earth has happened to you? You must remember your place.’
This was not her place. Her place was at the edge of the world in a run-down house they had turned into a home. Her place was near cleansing water, ocean spray and salty air, with Leksi and the tiny boy he had carried across the border. It was so painfully clear.
‘I know my place’ was all she said. She stared at the dress for a moment, thinking, then removed her robe.
Nyla’s eyes widened in surprise. ‘Oh. You want to try it on?’
She wanted to set it alight. ‘Yes,’ she lied. ‘And I need you to paint my face and fix my hair.’
Nyla looked a little unsure. ‘Why?’
‘Because I am going to speak with the king.’ She watched the conflict play out on Nyla’s face.
‘You cannot just go to him. You know how this works. If you need to communicate something, you do so via me.’
Petra’s face was blank. ‘If you think he would prefer to speak with you, then by all means. You may discuss the terms of the arrangement on my behalf.’
Nyla opened her mouth, then closed it again. She glanced at the door. ‘This is not a negotiation,’ she said with little conviction.
‘If the king wants me as his Companion, then I have something I want in return.’
Sighing, Nyla said, ‘If you go in making demands, you will only do more harm.’
‘If he wants me as his Companion, he will agree.’
Nyla crossed her arms in front of her. ‘If he wants you as his Companion, it will be so. Nothing has changed in your absence. He will do as he has always done.’
She was wrong. Everything had changed. Petra had grown up. ‘The king has never truly had me.’
Silence.
‘Would you prefer to have the conversation on my behalf?’ Petra asked.
Nyla’s arms fell to her sides. ‘I really hope you know what you are doing.’
Petra entered the king’s bedchamber knowing she would have to give the performance of her life. He had just finished dressing, and an empty tray sat on the table next to the bed, indicating he had not been up long.
He froze when he laid eyes on her, his gaze travelling shamelessly down her body. Despite a difficult few days, she was still displaying all the benefits of her time in Veanor. Her curves were rounder, her face full, and her skin bronzed. She let him look for as long as he needed in order for his resentment and anger to dissolve, even going so far as to turn, slowly, so he could admire her from all angles.
‘My queen,’ he said, his voice already thick with lust.
‘Do you like the dress?’
He shook his head. ‘You are going to need to cover yourself for the walk back to your quarters to stop me losing my mind imagining the guards’ eyes on you.’
‘As you wish, Your Majesty.’
He frowned, as though suddenly suspicious. ‘What are you doing here in my bedchamber, dressed like that?’
‘Nyla tells me you wish to have me as your Companion once more?’
He nodded. ‘We belong together.’
She watched him for a moment, trying to read him. ‘I worry…’ She broke off and looked down.
He took a step towards her. ‘Worry about what?’
Her eyes returned to him. ‘That I might not be worthy of your affections. I have made some mistakes these past few months.’ His eyes softened. ‘I worry you will not be able to forgive me.’
He came to her then, gripping her shoulders, his thumbs kneading her skin.
‘Will we be able to move past the mess?’ she asked, the words bitter in her mouth. It took all her strength not to pull from his grip. His hands were too smooth, and it made her think of Leksi’s callused ones.
‘Enough,’ Nilos said. ‘You are my everything. That is why I tore the kingdom apart looking for you.’
She watched him through painted lashes, aware of the effect she was having on him. He cupped her chin, and rather than stiffen, she closed her eyes and turned into his touch. He groaned and pulled her close. Then instead of going limp beneath his grip, she placed her hands on his chest, preparing herself for what would come next. His mouth crashed into hers and she parted her lips, despite the screams of protest inside her.
When she could not take it anymore, she pulled back and looked at him. ‘You really want me as your Companion?’
‘Yes,’ he breathed. His grip tightened on her as he moved to kiss her again.
She placed a hand to his chest to s
top him. ‘I need something from you.’
He was breathing hard. ‘Anything.’
Her expression turned serious. ‘I want you to call off the search for Xander.’ She mustered her remaining courage. ‘I want you to leave him alone.’ She felt him start to withdraw and she leaned in. ‘If I can just be free of it all, I can open my heart to you again.’ Her hands wound around his neck, repulsed by the feel of his coarse skin. ‘Will you do that for me, my king?’ She leaned towards his hungry mouth, waiting for his reply.
His hands went to her waist, tugging on her hips. ‘And then you will be mine? Body and soul?’ He all but moaned the words.
‘Yes,’ she murmured, closing her eyes so he would not see the repulsion in them.
‘And you will never leave me again?’ He licked her painted lips and she winced inwardly.
‘If you give me your word and free up that space in my mind, I could be yours until death.’
He took a handful of her skirt and begun tugging her towards the bed.
‘You must give me your word,’ she said.
He stopped and looked at her. ‘As you wish, my queen.’
She searched his eyes, trying to see if he was speaking the truth. She could not tell. ‘You would not lie to your queen, would you?’
His legs trembled, clearly enjoying this version of her. ‘Please,’ he said hoarsely. ‘Let me have you.’
She stepped closer to him and brushed her hips against his. ‘I am afraid we will need to wait a few weeks for the herbs to work.’
His red face collapsed. ‘God, give me strength,’ he groaned.
‘The last thing we want is a pregnancy.’ He dragged a hand down his face as she took a step back. ‘Until tomorrow, Your Majesty.’ She curtsied low, eyes never leaving his.
Only once the door was closed behind her did she breathe again. She wiped at her mouth as the guard watched on. One way or the other, the king would have her, so it might as well be on her terms.
Straightening, she walked off down the corridor in the direction of the Companions’ quarters.
She was going to need another bath.
