Page 18 of Untouched Queen by Royal Command

Sera watched from beneath lowered lashes as Augustus stalked from the room, leaving thick silence behind him and no even ground to stand on.

‘Well, that was…unexpected,’ the King’s sister said with no little bemusement. ‘What have you done with my courteous, by-the-book brother?’

‘Barely anything.’ And wasn’t that the truth. ‘He doesn’t want me here, Your Highness. That’s all.’ It underscored their every interaction.

‘And how old are you?’ Augustus’s sister asked next.

‘Twenty-three.’

‘You look about sixteen. Maybe that’s what’s bothering him.’

Sera couldn’t say.

‘Are you here of your own free will?’

‘I am.’ Perhaps this woman, out of everyone here, would understand. ‘I undertake my role willingly and with honour.’

‘I’m glad to hear it. But it’s been over a hundred years since this court has seen a courtesan of the High Reaches. We are, as a rule, a suspicious lot and fiercely independent. How can you serve my brother? What is it you bring?’

‘Political backing and access to people of influence. You saw the additions to the most recent guest list for the library evening?’

‘A diplomat, a peacekeeper and a historian from well beyond our northern borders. Not people we usually deal with.’

‘Yet their voices are heard elsewhere, where others have concerns over the grand water plans for this region. What better way to begin conversation than with a casual evening of books, fine food and access to one of the monarchs at the heart of those plans?’

‘Are you saying that my brother can’t find his own way through the political mire?’

‘I’m saying that the Order of the Kite has influence far beyond Arun’s reckoning, and beyond Liesendaach’s too, never mind your husband’s dealings. Should your brother ever ask for access to people who can aid him in his vision, he shall receive.’

‘And has he asked?’

‘No.’ There was the not so small matter of his pride, not to mention his innate suspicion. Trust did not come easily to the royals of Arun. ‘There’s also the issue of your country needing an heir to the throne.’

‘I fail to see how a courtesan can help with that.’

‘And yet courtesans throughout the centuries have brokered marriages and more. Something is holding your brother back from making a commitment. Once we understand what it is we can address the issue and find someone who can give him what he needs. I can encourage him to explore or even simply to voice those…needs…in a safe and confidential environment.’

The elegant Queen Consort suddenly looked supremely uncomfortable. ‘What makes you think my brother has particular needs?’

‘The fact that he’s not yet married, perhaps?’ There was no delicate way to put this. ‘Look, everyone explores their inner desires given the right opportunity. My job is to give the man a non-judgemental space to do it in. Some of the preferences of former Kings of Arun have been quite specific.’

Moriana blinked. ‘Do I really want to know?’

‘There are journals, milady. As a direct member of Arun’s royal family, you have the right to view them.’

‘May I see them now?’

‘Of course. I have some in my quarters.’

‘The rumours surrounding your quarters are quite…elaborate.’

‘The rumours are true. Would you like to take tea with me there? Your brother has yet to put a cup of mine to his lips but I assure you there’s no poison involved. That would be counterproductive.’

‘You do know that I can’t tell whether you’re joking or not?’

Sera smiled. The King’s sister stared.

‘I’m beginning to realise the extent of my brother’s problem,’ Moriana said drily. ‘Yes, I’d like to see the journals and what you’ve done with the round room. I’ll cancel the rest of my morning engagements.’

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