Page 41 of Under the Lion Star

“That’s probably why you double down on protecting her, because you know she’s likely to get hurt at some point.”

“Yeah,” I gave a resigned nod.

“I just think–”

“You always do that.”

“Do what?” Z’s brows pinched in confusion.

“When you’re going to offer an idea, you dismiss it before it’s even out of your mouth. Say what you mean with conviction. Your thoughts are just as valid as anyone else's.”

Zialda gave me a small smile and nodded. “You should find where Sanna’s strengths lie, then utilize her. She’s a princess. She has a right to help Fjorn just as much as you do.”

“That’s easy enough,” I looked at the stars. “Sanna loves to learn. She absorbs information so easily. Like a living encyclopedia. Did you know she taught herself Old Elvish just so that she could read every book in the castle library?”

“Now, figure out how to put that to work for Fjorn. Give her options and remind her of her value until she feels it from within.”

I thought about that for a moment. Every day, I woke feeling that I was carrying more weight than I could manage. It was a struggle to pull myself through until I could escape into the wheat fields and imagine I was someone else for a few hours. I needed to renege some of the control I held onto. I had Atlas, Liras, Sanna, and eventually, I would have Orin to lean on.

“You look like you just had an epiphany,” Zialda laughed.

“I think I did,” I smiled. “I’ve felt so alone since my parents died, but I think maybe it was a creation of my own doing.”

“Look at me, getting through to a king,” she smirked. “You should set me up on that advisory council of yours.”

“That’s not a terrible idea,” I mused.

“I was kidding,” Zialda leaned forward. “I have no business in politics on any level.”

“I think you’d make a rather interesting ruler,” I nudged her shoulder with mine.

I bit back the desire to ask her if she wanted to be queen. Of all the women I’d met tonight, Zialda was worthy of far more than I could ever offer. Still, the image of her sitting in the throne at my side played in my mind.

“Speaking of,” she gave me a predatory grin. “You find a queen in tonight’s livestock auction– I mean, royal soiree?”

“Ugh,” I groaned. “Everyone was fine. Truly. But you’ve seen the state of my life. How am I supposed to find time to care for a wife on top of everything else?”

“Don’t look to me for answers,” she said. “I’m just here for the free food.”

“Well,” I sighed. “Let’s get back in there then. I’d hate for you not to get your money’s worth.”

“Exactly,” she stood and held her hand out to help me up.

Zialda slipped her wrist through the crown, scooping it off the ground, and then moved to slide my sword back into its sheath. She held the circlet up, positioning it on my head and fixing my hair with her soft fingertips. I forced my fisted hands to remain at my side, despite the rushing need to grab her waist and pull her body into mine.

“There,” she nodded at her work. “Let’s go find the great King Leor a wife he can emotionally neglect.”

Chapter 12

Leor

The parchment in my hands felt gritty. My eyes worked down the list of names who, my advisors decided, would make the most suitable wife. I kept my expression neutral, trying to recall who half of the women were.

“They all come from highborn families who have ancestral ties to Galvord,” Lord Corrin stated. “All are well regarded by Fjorn.”

“By Fjorn or by other highborn families in the capital?” I glanced at him. “Need I remind you that we are responsible for all citizens, not just those we live near.”

“Of course, Your Grace,” he stammered.

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