Page 49 of Of Monsters Of Kings

With this matter of business concluded between us,

I would now like to formally request your

permanent place by my side and in my kingdom

as my treasured concubine.

Words and Actions Mighty,

King Bring

I reread the letter, then grinned.

Wait, I should check before celebrating. I ran to the doorless laundry. Two cleaning carts filled the space. Two-fifths of the sheets were back. I ran to the kitchen next. Two-fifths of my food supplies.

I covered my face and smiled against closed fists, forgetting my intention to keep the glossy paper pristine as it scrunched in my hand. Three-fifths was yet missing, but I’d doubled what I had since yesterday. This was a great thing.

“Do you shed tears, Lady Perantiqua?”

I turned to find See’s princes outside the kitchen door. “Not at all. I feel joy.”

The three princes dropped to their knees, gaping up at me.

“What is it?” I demanded, glancing behind.

“To look upon a star is to be blind and glad for it,” whispered Is. “Lady, your joy is too much for us to stand through.”

Oh. “I’m not sure how to be rid of it.”

“Please never let anyone rid you of joy. To be a monster is to be most joyous indeed,” whispered Has Been. “How I wish you’d accepted the claiming of our liege. What if someone hurts such joy?”

I clenched my hands again and the rustle of paper drew Will Be’s sharp gaze.

“King Bring’s seal,” he said, expression thunderous. “What does he say to you?”

“King Bring has returned his one-fifth snuffing share.”

That appeared to stump them.

Has Been narrowed his gaze. “In exchange for what?”

I drew myself taller. “That’s my business.”

The three princes stood and pressed closer. “We must protect our king, lady. I hope that’s understandable.”

I backed up and bumped into a cleaning cart. “Why would my exchange with King Bring hurt King See?”

“Because you blind King See, lady, and you will blind him to the possibilities of anyone in your company.”

Oh. “That does give sense to the last part.” I smoothed the letter. “That’s why he’s mentioned keeping me permanently by his side and in his kingdom.”

Will Be snatched the letter.

“Will Be,” I snapped.

He choked on a breath, and he extended the letter to me. “I must protect my liege.”

“I don’t seek to hurt him, nor anyone, but do not snatch from me.”

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