Page 26 of Oath of Rebellion

She looked around the room, and despair clawed at her. "A tempting offer, your majesty. But at the end of the week? What then?"

He arched another brow. "Then you accept my proposal, my dear girl."

Bella's heart raced, and her lip beaded with sweat. "Proposal?"

He grinned slowly. "To be perfectly frank, I need a wife. I'm a reasonable man. I wouldn't expect you to agree just because I'm the king. So get to know me, then make your choice."

Bella smiled and blinked up at the alfresco painting on the ceiling of the library. She was so glad she'd decided to take a chance. Now she had the entire kingdom at her fingertips.

She'd learned more about magic in the past month than she had in the previous years combined. Now that she had the resources, she had learned how to make more than just healing potions. She'd begun exploring other types of magic other than animation of objects and illusions.

The only other way she would've had access or learned any of this before was if she would've sold her soul to Asmodeux. She snorted at the absurdity of it all. Once she was queen, she'd make a scholarship to send one child a year from each village to the academies.

She sat up and set her book aside. She went to the fireplace and pinched her cheeks then tucked a stray hair behind her braid.

There is much planning to do and so much to learn. The bottom bookshelf to the right of the fireplace has an interesting section about transmutations.

Bella didn't question how she knew. She just went to the bookshelf and found the book. She opened it, but before she could get sucked in, a servant came to tell her it was time to get ready for the engagement dinner.

She sighed and looked at the mirror. "I want this mirror in my chamber. Replace it with the one on the vanity please."

The servant nodded succinctly. "Of course, your ladyship."

Bella blushed, her heart racing as she grinned. She still wasn't used to everyone obeying her the first time she said something. Normally, she had to cajole and threaten the maids to doing their actual job.

She grinned and skipped out the door. By the time she reached the grand stairs, she had the book open and read as she walked, her heart light with endless possibilities.

Chapter 9

A SERVANT OPENED THE door down the hall, and Gastone went to sit at his desk. Eirwyn took the seat opposite, the straight back making it impossible to be comfortable.

Not that she ever could be in his presence. He tapped on a stack of papers on his desk, his eyes dark and glittering.

"I read the Chancellor's reports and talked with the Council yesterday. I thought I gave you specific instructions on what we would and would not agree to for a peace treaty."

Eirwyn frowned and nodded. "Yes, and I followed them."

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