Page 47 of Under the Lion Star

It made sense for Leor. I already knew what he and his family were dealing with, and I was more than aware of what he could offer in return. For me, there were plenty of benefits. Even if the Helners had adopted me and my sister, many in high society were privy to the fact that we were bastards by blood. As such, my sisters often had to work harder in their pursuits to overcome others' prejudice.

Being a sister to the Queen of Fjorn would open many doors for all of them. If they wanted to marry, they could choose from any partner in the realm. Yunia and Lina could design my wardrobe for public appearances, gaining much-needed visibility for their work. Nima’s shop, when she eventually started it, would benefit from our association. Even Marcy could hold her status as queen’s cousin over those eight-year-old little shits in her class.

I knew in my bones I wasn’t fit to rule, but that was Leor’s job anyway. If being his wife made his life easier, that could benefit the whole of Fjorn. And I liked his family. Sanna was such a kind soul, and I could potentially be there for her—guiding her into womanhood and watching as she blossomed.

“Fuck it,” I shrugged. “Why not?”

“Wait, really?”

“Yeah, I mean,” I sat up straighter. “I’m guessing it’s easier to ask me than a stranger, given I know your current situation. I’m friends with Atlas, who I assume will be a third wheel in our union, and what else am I doing with my life? Might as well be queen, right?”

“I had expected you to decline,” Leor chuckled. “I had a whole speech prepared.”

“Oh, sorry,” I turned to face him and squared my shoulders before meeting his eyes. “Leor. I couldn’t possibly marry you. Surely you don’t want me as your wife and queen.”

Leor grinned, looking down at his feet before returning his attention to me.

“Well, you see, Z,” he said, fighting off the impending laughter. “You said you felt you had no direction in life but wanted to help people. You could do that on a large scale as queen. Your unique perspective will be useful for me, given that you didn’t grow up in Galvord. I want to ensure my reign helps all the citizens of Fjorn, not just those who reside in the capital. My sister likes you, and I think Orin does in his own way.”

“Not bad,” I nodded. “I don’t know that I’ll have much to offer regarding perspective.”

“You’re thoughtful, Zialda,” Leor said softly. “Compassion and empathy are what make good rulers. I think you’ll have good ideas to help us address the issues in Fjorn that were relegated to lower priority during the war.”

“I’m not good at voicing my ideas,” I pulled a few strands of grass free from the dirt. “I always feel like a fraud. Even when I’m sure I know something, I just second guess myself to the point where I often opt to remain quiet.”

“Maybe I can help you with that,” Leor tucked his fingers under my chin to pull my eyes back to his. “It’d be nice if you got something out of this arrangement.”

“I mean, getting to live in a literal castle is appealing. Marrying you would also benefit my family by proxy.”

“That’s my girl,” he smirked, taking my hands in his and resting them on the ground between us. “Always thinking of how to help others. You’ll be a good queen. I’m sure of it.”

“I’m assuming this arrangement comes with access to food?”

“Of course,” he laughed. “You’d also have your own room and freedom to go anywhere in the castle.”

“Alright,” I tilted my head from side to side. “I have a few questions.”

“Right, let’s have it,” Leor straightened his spine.

“Do I need to act a specific way around certain people? Lords and whatnot? I think I can handle being arm candy for you, but if someone speaks to me, you know I haven’t spent much time acting prim.”

“I just need you to be you,” he said. “Part of the reason I think you’d be a good fit is that I don’t want arm candy. I want someone who can offer input, help me make decisions, and isn’t afraid to call me out. Someone to ease my burden a bit.”

“Leor, I don’t know anything about legislation and politics.”

“You think I do?” He scoffed. “We’ll figure it out as we go. I want you to feel comfortable speaking your mind. I'm not interested in a silent wife to act as decor. I want your mind, Z. Granted, your beauty is a nice bonus.”

I rolled my eyes, earning another quiet laugh.

“We’re partners in this,” Leor continued, giving my hands a slight squeeze. “My parents ruled together. I want that, too. Even if our marriage isn’t built of love and affection, you’re still closer to me than most.”

“Alright,” I sighed, and he released my hands. “You got yourself a wife.”

“Well,” Leor raked his fingers through his hair. “There’s a small detail I feel you should know before you agree.”

“We have to consummate to be official?” I grinned. “Friends can fuck. Honestly, it’s been a while for me, so again, not a detractor.”

Leor’s eyes widened as I spoke. He looked down at the grass between us before his gaze returned to mine, and a boyish smile crossed his face.

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