Page 10 of Cursed Crowns

“Of course I don’t mean Barron himself,” said Chapman quickly. “I simply meant theideaof a strategic royal marriage is not the worst I’ve ever heard.”

“Because it went so well before,” said Wren dryly.

Chapman waved his hand around, as though to dispel the ugly memory of the Gevran wedding fiasco and poor Prince Ansel’s untimely death. “An arranged marriage is the quickest way to an alliance. If some people in Eana are reluctant to put their trust in two witches, I believe a high-born, respectable husband would go a long way to alleviating some of that mistrust.” He ignored Wren’s horrified expression and went on. “Of course it would have to be someone known to Eana. With a pristine reputation.” He glanced meaningfully at Shen. “Or indeedanykind of reputation. And, of course, theymustn’tbe a witch.”

“Now you’re just trying to annoy me,” muttered Shen.

Rose wrung her hands. She couldn’t stomach the idea of another arranged marriage, but Barron’s parting words had unsettled her more than she had let on. The protest was the spark of a movement that could twist and grow into something truly terrible if they didn’t find a way to stop it.

She paced back and forth, her mind whirring with possibilities, as Wren and Shen argued with Chapman about the suitability of the youngest Caro prince.

Then an idea struck. “Oh, I know!” Rose burst out. “What about presents? We can send gifts from the crown to every house in Eana!” Yes, that would work. Everyone loved presents. “It’s the perfect way to reassure them that they are valued subjects, who are most welcome in our new and improved kingdom.”

Wren grimaced. “You want to bribe theentire kingdominto liking us?”

Rose was already racking her brains. “What about an artfully arranged fruit basket? Oh! Or scarves! After all, winter will be here before we know it.”

“I’m confused,” said Shen. “Are you trying to woo them?”

“In a manner of speaking,” said Rose defensively. “You see, a queen is wed to her country first and foremost. Doesn’t it make sense to woo them?”

Shen considered this a moment. “As long as you’re not wooing the prince of Caro.”

“We simply need to show our subjects that they are cherished.” As she spoke, Rose’s planned bloomed ever more. “And we’ll move up the royal tour! I’d like to expand it, too. We’ll establish our foothold in the southern towns before Barron does.” She ignored her sister’s souring expression, excitement quickening her voice. “Think about it, Wren. We can shake hands with our people. Show them who we really are. You’re an enchanter—perhaps you can make butterflies, or, or, or birds! And I can use my healing magic to help any townsperson who needs it!” Rose reeled through the other strands of witchcraft in her mind. Though showcasing the power of a tempest would be quite the spectacle, Rose couldn’t trust Rowena to behave herself, but perhaps they could come up with some kind of demonstration to showcase Shen’swarrior talent. After all, that was a spectacle in itself.

Rose’s thoughts flitted to her best friend. Celeste was still coming to grips with the possibility that she herself might be a seer, though both girls had grown up together at Anadawn without knowing they were witches. Rose knew it wouldn’t be fair to push her best friend on the issue, nor to parade Celeste up and down the streets of Eshlinn like a prize, offering prophecies wherever starcrest birds gathered. And in any case, when it came to seers, well, wasn’t it their elusiveness that made them so special?

“When they see what our magic can do, they’ll be assured that we can be trusted with the throne... with their future!” she went on breathlessly. “We can listen to their needs, their fears, and, more than that, we can promise them, eye to eye, that we will make Eana a better country for everyone.”

Wren folded her arms.“And what if they fire arrows at us?”

“Wren’s right,” Shen cut in. “It’s too dangerous for a royal tour right now. You need to let things settle.”

“Nonsense. If we do nothing, the resentment toward us will only grow,” said Rose firmly. “A leader mustlead. I refuse to let Barron best us in the court of public opinion.” She looked between Wren and Shen. “So, unless either of you two have any positive contributions to make, then I suggest you leave the planning—”

“I have a suggestion,” said Wren. Rose knew what it was before she voiced it. She could tell by the determined blaze in her sister’s eyes. “We take a tour to Gevra instead, so we can rescue Banba. She’ll know exactly how to deal with Barron and his little rebellion.”

Rose frowned. “Banba is all the way across the Sunless Sea.”

“I’m done waiting, Rose. It’s time to act.”

Rose hesitated. In the space of a few days, everything had shifted. Danger had come to the gates of Anadawn Palace, and if Barron’s parting words were to be believed, there would be more still to contend with. Surely, Wren wasn’t suggesting that they divert their soldiers and launch an attack on Gevra when rebellion was stirring under their very noses?

Wren’s nostrils flared. “I don’t want to talk about frivolous fruit baskets and stupid royal tours before we talk about how we’re going to bring our grandmother home.”

“Fruit baskets arenotfrivolous,” said Rose, her voice rising to match her sister’s. “And neither is our royal tour. You’re not thinking clearly. Now is hardly the right time to go to Gevra.”

“I also hate that idea,” said Shen. “In fact, I have yet to hear a good idea from either one of you.”

Wren folded her arms. “You were wrong about the power of your quill, Rose. Your letters have failed.”

Rose sagged against the armrest, suddenly exhausted. “Then we’ll think of something else. I promise. But please, let’s not argue, Wren. We’re on the same side, remember?” Rose held out her hand, relieved when her sister took it. She hated fighting with Wren. Apart from anything else, it was unproductive. “That horrid Barron has put me in a terrible mood. Why don’t we go down to the kitchens and see what Cam is whipping up for dinner?”

“Finally. An idea I can get on board with,” said Shen.

Wren blew out a breath. “Fine. But this isn’t over.”

“No,” said Rose quietly, “I have a bad feeling it’s only just begun.”

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