Page 228 of Settle Down, Princess

“Some of you will be wondering which of my mates will become king.” People started to shift restlessly at this, because this was not how the ceremony was supposed to end. “The answer is none.” I found my mother’s, my grandmother’s, even my father’s eyes across the church, because we had been asked this question every day since Arik proposed ratifying me as queen. In the end I was Stormarian, a princess from a country that was only allowed to exist because other countries allowed it, so I knew something about compromise. “Each one of these men are my mates.”

Looking at each one of them was all part of my plan, but the pleasure that came from doing so was like a punch to the belly. Suddenly, I didn’t want to be anywhere else but with them. This beautiful dress discarded, my insanely complex hairstyle unwound, and then I could just be Jess and they could just be my mates.

But not yet.

We were so very close to getting where we needed to be.

The presence of our enemies’ envoys at my coronation was a controversial one that had resulted in a lot of heated conversations in the war room. An uneasy truce had been established on our borders, because rather than finding unmanned garrisons, both armies were met by every soldier in the royal army, every able bodied shifter and many, many of the bannermen of the different lords we’d swayed to our side. An easy victory no longer in sight had stopped each enemy army in its tracks as ravens were sent here and there for further guidance.

But I had a plan.

Stormare couldn’t muscle its way through a fight, and to be honest, neither could either of the three bigger countries. Khean stayed independent due to the presence of the wolf shifters and while they remained loyal to us, we would not be beaten. According to Silas’ sources, being stationed so close to each other had some parts of the army on the Mattenite and Lanzenian side wanting them to redirect all that battle fever at each other, now that we were not an easy target. It was tempting to pit them against each other. Selene assured me she could send some agents into their midst and stir things up further, but…

Our enemy soldiers had mothers, wives, daughters as well.

Perhaps war wasn’t the answer but peace? How to ensure everyone became invested in that idea, though?

“I cannot choose one male to become my king, placing him above the others, because that would mean prioritising one part of my heart rather than another.” I shook my head sharply. “That’s not possible. Instead, I think each one of my males represents a key part of Khean. Arik is of the king’s blood. Through his veins your history, your royal line runs. Silas is the son of the old Raven. He is my link to a source of power kings frequently use but rarely acknowledge.”

Some of the new lords we’d raised up into the peerage straightened and smiled. The old Raven had made clear who he thought should take the lands of the members of Magnus court that could not be allowed to stay in their position, but Selene had other ideas. She smiled at me now from her position in the pews sitting next to Rose.

“I do acknowledge the power of The Guild, while also making clear it cannot be allowed to flourish unchecked. Then there is Creed.” His eyes found mine, that quiet confidence that always radiated out of him bolstering me. “He represents the interests of the wolf shifters, a force we depend on for our very safety and yet take for granted. While the Elders will always have access to me.” I nodded to their contingent in the pews, Saffron and Hazel smiling from where they were sitting next to them. “He will keep me from making that same mistake. And Roan.”

If he was uncomfortable before, he was doubly so now. I watched him blink then grip his sword more tightly.

“My protector, but more than that, my link to the people of Khean. Much is made of noble blood, but what of the lifeblood of this country? For far too long, the everyday citizen of Khean has been overlooked, downtrodden, enslaved even, and with him by my side, I swear I will not make the same mistake, so hopefully everyone here sees that by having four consorts of equal standing ensures that all of these important factions have a voice.”

And more besides.

Silas had been the first one to support my proposal when I presented it to them. Arik hadn’t wanted to explain anything, saying as queen that wasn’t my job, but Silas had contradicted him.

“By never actually marrying, by only being consorts, in theory Jessalyn is still able to marry and make a man king.”

Creed snarled his distaste for that idea.

“But I never will.” I smoothed my hand over his chest. “Never, my mate, but…” My eyes shone as I stared into his. “They don’t need to know that. All of these envoys from all of these countries will flock to their court, bringing me marriage offers. Each one will think me too simple to see the political influence they hope to wield. If they bring me a beautiful Lanzenian prince or a big, strong Mattenite duke, I might fall for him and accept his suit, marrying him and making him king.”

“Gods…” Arik hissed. “They’ll be falling all over themselves trying to impress you—”

“And hopefully have less time to dedicate to war.” Roan swept in and kissed me. “It’s brilliant. You’re brilliant.” I laughed as he swung me around in the air.

“No, merely Stormarian,” I replied, stroking his face. “When you don’t have the means to wage war, you find other ways, more peaceful ways.”

If I caught the avaricious gleam in the envoys from Matteau and Lanzene’s eyes, then so did Silas, but I merely smiled.

“The Queen of Khean!” Arik shouted.

“The Queen of Khean!” came everyone’s reply.

Chapter 125

Slightly less than nine months later

“Push, Jess!” Saffron urged.

But I was. With every muscle in my body, I strained, though the process seemed utterly hopeless, my breath coming in hard and fast.

“You must push, dear heart,” Hazel said, taking my hand and squeezing. “For your child.”

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