Page 84 of The Prince's Curse

“I wanthim.I want Benjin.”

Again, he braced himself for her rage. For her to accuse him of betrayal and declare their arrangement off. Yet once again, all she did was offer him a gentle smile full of compassion, even if it was also laced with a hint of disappointment.

“There. That’s one issue solved. Now, tell me about whatever other political woes you face. After all, marriage isn’t the only way to forge an alliance, and I have my fair share of training in courtly intrigue. Perhaps I can help you decide on the proper course.”

Haldric studied her carefully. When he was sure her interest was sincere, he took a deep breath and haltingly began to speak.Starting with the death of his sister, he went on to discuss Ilthabard’s current situation, from the unhappy commonfolk to the greedy governors.

He kept the details light at first, cautious of revealing anything too compromising to a foreign dignitary. The occasional leading comment from Katalin, however, made it clear that she already knew much about Ilthabard’s woes. No doubt Khordan had been monitoring the situation closely.

The more he opened up, the more his thoughts whirled. His rushed remedial lessons in politics had left little opportunity for him to think critically about Ilthabard’s situation. All this time, he’d remained focused on debating between the paths others tried to choose for him: his father, his aunt, Duke Westley, even Grand Magus Dexil. Yet as he spoke and Katalin listened, asking discerning questions and discussing how things were done in Khordan, the seeds of a new path entirely his own began to take root…

thirty-one

Benjin

Benjin glanced nervously aboutthe table, wondering what in the Void he was doing here surrounded by all these important people. Perhaps Haldric had wanted him to represent the Grand Magus’ office, no matter how poor a replacement he made.

While he hadn’t attended the previous Summit, based on what he’d seen of the preparations, this one appeared far more restrained. There were no banquet tables or lavish feasts, only a simple tray of glasses and water.

Nor were there spots reserved for servants or advisers. The cavernous hall felt eerily empty with nothing save the sole table set amid the massive space. Haldric sat at the table’s head. Benjin sat to his left, in the spot previously reserved for the Grand Magus, while Lady Katalin sat to his right.

Benjin glanced across at her, his stomach twisting. A fitting spot for the future queen. He felt a little ashamed for avoiding her after how nice she’d been to him in Luxem, continuouslypostponing her attempts to meet him for lunch or a walk. But she was a painful reminder of everything he couldn’t have.

The past few days had been a mess. He’d done his best to finish Dexil’s remaining works in progress and handle the few new minor orders he felt qualified to tackle. Most of his old duties, however, had been put on hold pending Dexil’s trial and execution.

He’d found it near impossible to see Haldric more than the occasional stolen glimpse from afar. As the new king, Haldric had been far too busy attending to Lady Katalin and preparing for this impromptu Summit to spare time forhim.

Though maybe that distance had been a blessing in disguise. It left him little time to dwell on what was happening between him and Haldric—or, rather, whatwasn’t.

More and more this past week, Benjin had found himself reminiscing about the idyllic life they’d shared for those handful of months and wishing they could somehow return to it. Dexil’s spell might have rewritten their memories, but Benjin refused to believe their happiness and love had been fake. That had been all them. And if itwasa lie, well, at least it had been a beautiful one.

Deep down, however, Benjin knew there was no going back. Haldric had embraced his responsibilities as ruler. What place was there for Benjin in that new life? The kiss they’d shared during Dexil’s failed rebellion had been their last.

The other five governors filled out the remaining spaces at the table, Duke Westley perched at the end opposite Haldric. Though Benjin hadn’t personally met the duke before, he still fought the urge to glare after what Haldric had told him about his suspicions concerning Westley, the ambush, and his sister’s death.

Of the rest, he only recognized Duchess Janelle. She caught him staring at her, and he quickly averted his eyes. Before hedid, however, he was surprised to see her give him a brief nod that was almost friendly.

Thatwas a new development. Perhaps she had warmed to him now that she knew he hadn’t been the one to curse her nephew. Or perhaps it was the role he’d played in helping Haldric defeat the Grand Magus. Either way, he’d gladly take it.

A loud clearing of a throat echoed beside him, and Benjin glanced over to see King Haldric rising.

“Welcome, esteemed governors,” Haldric said. “Thank you for attending this Summit on such short notice. Your condolences when you arrived were most welcome. I’m certain King Roland would have appreciated them, just as he would appreciate you taking the time from your busy schedules to attend his funeral tomorrow. Yet, my father was not one to stand on idle pleasantries or ceremony. He was a man of action. Thus, shall I endeavor to be one as well in his stead.”

“A worthy goal,” Duke Westley said with a simpering smile that made Benjin want to curse him. The duke gestured about the empty chamber “Yet, you have deprived us of our usual attendants. That will make it exceedingly difficult to iron out any new treaties.”

Haldric scrunched his brow in a puzzled frown. “I’m afraid I don’t understand, Duke Westley. You met with me and my father in this very chamber less than four months ago. I believe those agreements shall suffice until our regular meeting next year.”

There were murmurs around that table at that. A gruff, bearded man seated beside Benjin scowled.

“I believe I speak for my compatriots,” Westley said smoothly, “when I say I’m surprised. Given recent circumstances—and our previous discussions—I’d expected certain changes might be in order. To better recognize the shifting realities of Ilthabard’s situation.”

Westley’s every word dripped condescension. By a slight tensing in Haldric’s posture, Benjin could tell he wanted to punch the smarmy noble as badly as Benjin did. Yet, the king’s pleasant smile didn’t falter.

“You’re quite right, Duke Westley. Therearematters I wish to discuss. New reforms I thought better to bring up with you in private so that we could ensure we’re all in accord before we muddy the waters with scribes and attendants.”

Duke Westley leaned back in his chair with a smirk. He waved a ring-encrusted hand. “By all means, please proceed then, Your Majesty.”

Haldric nodded and paused, seeming to gather his thoughts. Something about the king’s posture sent a thrill of anticipation through Benjin. He had a sudden premonition that the duke wasn’t going to like what Haldric said next. Glancing across the table at Katalin, he caught her small grin as she watched Haldric.

---