Page 20 of Of Snow and Sapphire

“Confidence does not equal competence,” Ludelle shrugged casually.

He chuckled. “I like you.”

That shot a pang through her. She didn’t know what to make of that. She wasn’t trying to have the nobles like her, just tolerate her—because feelings would be messy. But she had a role, and she needed Zimyn to know she had this under control, so there would be no doubt in his mind when he left.

She leaned down and whispered in his ear as she dragged her sharp nails down his neck, the diamonds popping off as she did. To anyone watching, the gesture would appear genial. “I would hate to disappoint.”

Ten

The encounter between Lord Cirrus and Ludelle put Zimyn on edge. He prepared for the noble to escalate the situation as Ludelle clearly taunted him, as she normally did. He would happily escort Lord Cirrus out of the castle, grab his glittering arms and pull him away from her forever. Even the harpist had stopped playing, anticipating the worst. But Ludelle’s expressions changed from determined, to confused, to sultry. It was the bit in the middle that Zimyn held onto—the subtle change in demeanor that most would have missed, but he wasn’t most people.

Lord Cirrus bowed gracefully, like only a noble was taught to do, and said, “I’ll see you at our combat skills test, Queen Ludelle.” He quirked his lips, as he bent down to kiss the back of her hand. His lips lingered for too long. “Save me a moment alone? My throwing could use some help.”

Ludelle nodded stiffly but didn’t give him the pleasure of uttering a single word.

All eyes were on the last noble who still slouched on the couch. When Lord Aeden noticed that everyone was waiting, he jumped up and headed to the Queen.

Ludelle’s white eyes glossed over as they sat together, the circles under her eyes visible. She was growing tired. Zimyn wanted to pull her away from this room like he did when they were children. When Ludelle had been stuffed into dresses that made it hard to breathe, Zimyn would join his father to the same events as his shadow as a way for Zimyn to learn. When the adults got into tense arguments about topics that went flying over his head, Zimyn would reach out his hand to his friend and lead her away. She never hesitated. They would find themselves in the kitchens for a snack or in the game room to play a round of cards. Either way, they found comfort in each other's company. They both knew they would face consequences when their parents discovered what they did, but for that short time, they could be children together, a symphony of laughing and teasing that filled the quiet halls.

Zimyn had to hold back his smile at the memories.

As Lord Aeden and Ludelle parted ways, Ludelle took a deep breath and stood. Novus immediately went to open the door for her. She gave the nobles a quick thank you and told them she was excited to see them present their fighting skills in the training ring, though her tone did not exude that same excitement.

Only Zimyn, the harpist, and the nobles remained in the room. He patiently waited until the harpist left with her sheets of music before he clicked the door shut and locked it.

“Going to scare us away?” Lord Cirrus said. His eyes were trained on the now empty glass of the drink he had just gulped down.

“Something like that,” Zimyn grumbled.

“Should we even be listening to you?” The first noble asked, the one who eagerly took the opportunity to touch Ludelle without permission. “We outrank you in status. Quite frankly, you should be taking our orders.”

Zimyn now recognized him as Lord Mitah, the worst of the bunch. His quick dismissal of Zimyn only proved how little he cared for those below his station.

“You’ll listen!” Zimyn fumed, his skin flushing in anger. “One of you may become her husband, but I will always be her Captain. Her trust begins and ends with me.” They didn’t know the truth yet. No one but a few did. His departure was a secret. He breathed in deeply, lowering his voice as he bit out, “One wrong move from any of you, and I will hand over every blade I own to Ludelle and watch as she slices your body into pieces.”

Lord Mitah wiggled his fingers in a mocking manner. “Scary.”

“You think I'm joking?”

“I think this is exhausting.” The others nodded. “As future King—”

“Consort,” Zimyn corrected.

“I will simply banish you from the castle.” He said haughtily. “Then there’s nothing you’ll be able to do.”

Good thing Zimyn would be long gone, but even if he weren’t leaving. “Ludelle wouldn’t allow it.”

“Are you sure?” Lord Cirrus said, as he picked off the loose diamonds from his skin and threw them on the rug. “The people need confidence that the Queen and her consort are a solid unit. If you are around, everyone will keep questioning what you mean to each other, just like they do now. Queen Ludelle will never be taken seriously for her actual actions but instead for the rumors that trail her like a ghost.”

Zimyn blinked back the shock at Lord Cirrus’ words. The Lord almost seemed concerned for Ludelle, like he actually cared for her wellbeing.

Zimyn had always known how detrimental their relationship could be to her image as Queen. He hoped the people trusted her motives enough, that she would only act in the best interest of her Court. That was how he knew she operated at least, but not everyone had such an intimate understanding of her like he did. It was why his leaving benefitted them both.

“Queen Ludelle is more than capable of convincing the people of her hard work. The fact that you mistrust her reveals exactly how little you think of her.” Zimyn said as he stepped closer, his heavy boots thumping on the icy floor. He knew he shouldn’t speak like this to Lord Cirrus, he knew that Ludelle would get angry at him for it, but he couldn’t help it. “Shoving your status at me does not exempt you from being thrown in a prison cell for such blasphemy.”

“You threaten me?”

“Do you feel threatened?” Zimyn shot back. Lord Cirrus was now only a hair’s breadth away, but the noble relented, taking a step back. He knew that he was in the front running of becoming consort, and he wouldn’t let Zimyn jeopardize it. Smart.

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