Page 24 of The Prince's Curse

Haldric chose not to reply, sipping a spoonful of his stew.

They ate in silence for a few minutes, Haldric lost in his own thoughts. He startled, banishing a vision of judging gray eyes, when the king abruptly spoke.

“The Provincial Council meets in a few weeks.”

Haldric’s gut churned. Every year, the governors of Ilthabard’s six provinces gathered at the palace to negotiate treaties, discuss trade policies, and engage in political maneuvering. His sister’s death had still been fresh enough last year, his own role as heir so new, that Haldric had been excused from participating. This year would be different.

“I look forward to attending at your side.”

The king took another bite of bread dripping with stew. “Not just at my side—in my stead.”

Shock gripped him. This was the first his father had mentioned such a thing. “What? I’m sorry, Father, but I don’t think I’m ready for that.”

His father snorted humorlessly. “You most certainly aren’t. Other than your aunt, the governors are a nest of vipers. No doubt they’ll attempt to take advantage of your inexperience for their own personal gain.”

“Then why send me to them? Surely, Grand Magus Dexil could assume some of the responsibilities this year on your behalf. Or Aunt Janelle.”

The king’s rumbling sigh rustled his blankets. “Both of them will be there to advise you, as will I. But it must beyouthat takes the lead.”

“But—”

“It’s the only way you’ll learn.” The king’s impatient tone urged Haldric to silence. He sagged back in bed as if the words had taken a lot out of him. Haldric started to rise to check on him, but his father waved him away. “By the Goddess, I’m fine. Or at least, as fine as I can be.”

“Sorry.” Haldric bowed his head. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

The king issued another heavy sigh. “I understand your reluctance, Haldric, but I won’t be here forever. We must do all we can to secure your position before I die and the other governors descend like carrion birds tearing into a carcass.”

Grimacing at the macabre image, Haldric shoved aside his half-eaten stew. “Ilthabard has survived for a thousand years and will stand for hundreds more.”

“I hope so.” His father chewed thoughtfully, his gaze growing distant. “Yet, our kingdom is not as strong as it once was. The Akkadia has been gone for centuries, along with the soulflame warriors that once graced our ranks, and the governors seizeever more power for themselves while chafing at centralized rule. It’s only a matter of time before the Nalaxians to our west renew their conquests. In our current state, we would make a tempting target.”

King Roland’s grizzled face grew more stern, his emerald gaze intense as it fixed on Haldric. “While I’ve done all I can during my reign to keep the peace and hold this crumbling kingdom together, it’s clear now that more is required…which is why I’ve arranged for you to marry a princess from Khordan.”

Haldric jerked in surprise. Had he not already set aside his platter, he would’ve spilled stew all over his lap.“Marry?Aprincess?”

His father nodded, remaining calm in the face of Haldric’s dismay. “I know it’s not ideal—”

“That’s an understatement,” Haldric scoffed. “Would you really sell your only son to the highest bidder?”

The king’s expression tightened, his eyes flashing. “Watch your tone, Haldric. I may be an ailing old man, but I am still your fatherandyour king. The Khordanite Empire has ever been our staunchest ally. With the Nalaxians nipping at our heels, strengthening our eastern alliance is the surest way to guarantee our survival. It will solidify your power against the other governors who’d seek to take advantage of you while ensuring Khordan’s continued aid and protection.”

“But wouldn’t we just be trading one overlord for another?”

His father briefly closed his eyes, his face suddenly exhausted. Haldric had never seen his father look older than he did at that moment. “I’m sure many of the other governors would say so. But better the overly righteous paladins of Khordan than the brutal Nalaxian necromancers.”

Haldric’s chest squeezed. As if he didn’t have enough to deal with. As if he hadn’t already sacrificed everything for the sake of his position. Now, he was expected to give up his heart as well?

As if sensing the train of Haldric’s thoughts, his father’s stern visage softened. “I know this isn’t how you expected your life to go, Son. Believe me, I wish I didn’t have to place you in such a difficult position. But such is the burden of rule. To lead requires making tough choices and sacrifices. You will come to understand that more once you’re older.”

Haldric wanted to protest that he understoodnow, but he held his tongue, allowing his father’s words to wash over him.

“At least agree to go and meet the girl,” King Roland continued. “If not for love, then perhaps you can still reach a suitable accord. Please, Haldric. All I want before I die is to be certain of your future.”

He reached out a trembling hand, and Haldric took it, swallowing down the lump in his throat. The skin was clammy to the touch, almost icy. His father’s grip felt far too weak, barely reminiscent of the great warrior who’d once commanded the battlefield from horseback, sword held aloft.

“I promise.”

The king relaxed back into his bed. His hand grew limp in Haldric’s as his eyes half-closed. “Your sister…would be so proud…” he murmured, barely audible.

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