Page 58 of Beguiled
“Vilmar may be charming.” I chose my words with care. “But he isn’t cunning enough to become king.”
The queen watched me, waiting for me to continue.
“I shall become king, and therefore you would do well to remain in my favor, especially because an alliance with Scania would be of great benefit to your country.”
She tapped her lips with one finger. “Perhaps.”
Before I could say more, she stood, and several servants rushed to aid her. She started toward the table that was already set with fine linens, crystal goblets, and silver dishes. Kitchen servants hovered in a nearby hallway holding platters and jugs. The waft of mutton and other roasted meats hung in the air.
I hadn’t partaken in a grand meal since the one in honor of our commissioning for our Testing the night before we left Scania. But I had no appetite for one today, not unless I could guarantee Pearl’s safety.
“I’m sure you are already well aware of the benefits of forming an alliance with Scania.” I could list them, but I didn’t want her to believe I was desperate—even though I was.
She paused near her chair at the center of the table. “Yes, but your father already spurned me, did not think Warwick was good enough for him.”
“I am not my father.”
“Then you love Princess Pearl?” She pinned me with a gaze that wouldn’t allow me to deny it. And why should I, when admitting it could seal the bargain?
“Yes. I love her.”
Chapter
21
Pearl
Mikkel loved me?
I sagged against the buttery door.
He loved me. The prospect was too great to comprehend, and I could only stare at the crack of light coming from underneath the door, illuminating the darkness.
He still believed I was blemished. He’d never seen me without my veil. For all he knew, I was unbearably ugly underneath. And yet, he loved me regardless.
Warmth blossomed deep inside, and I couldn’t contain a smile. Though the circumstances were appalling and my body was still trembling with fear at what the queen would do to Mikkel, the realization that he loved me so unconditionally awoke in me a sense of belonging. Belonging together.
Though I’d clung to the notion of annulling our marriage someday, I knew now I never would have been able to make myself go through with it. Not when we belonged so perfectly to each other.
“So you think that by bringing Princess Pearl to Scania and marrying her you will forge an alliance with Warwick?” The queen’s voice was much too calculated.
Mikkel was silent for a long moment. Would he reveal that we were already married? I wasn’t sure that doing so would aid his cause in rescuing me. In fact, I suspected nothing would, not when the queen needed my heart for her alchemy.
I leaned against the door again and bowed my head. What had I expected now that I knew the truth about his love? That Mikkel and I would be able to live happily ever after together? Such endings only happened in fairy tales.
“Having Warwick’s princesses in Scania would give my country more reason to contribute to Warwick’s successes.”
“You have given me much to ponder, Prince Mikkel. I shall discuss the matter with my advisors and then decide. For now, let us enjoy the feast.”
The harp music began again along with the clinking of goblets and dishes.
I could only pray the queen would agree to Mikkel’s proposal of an alliance. But even if she did so here in front of her court so publicly, she was not as principled as Mikkel. While he was a man of his word and would follow through with a vow, the queen would think nothing of changing her mind. If she wanted my heart, she would find a way to get it, no matter what promises she made to Mikkel.
I brushed my hand against the layers of my best ruby gown studded with diamonds at my waist and all throughout the bodice. The servants had spent hours bathing and grooming me, fawning over every detail of my appearance, knowing that the queen would expect nothing less than perfection. They’d taken extra care with my hair, styling it with a few strands pulled up in order to show off my diamond earrings and necklace as well as a tiara of rubies and diamonds.
Why had the queen gone to so much trouble with my appearance? If she hoped to show me to the people as a traitor and rebel, why not leave me in my tattered travel garments?
I started to slide down to the floor, but at the rattle of the key in the lock, I straightened. Was the queen sending me back to my chambers? Would she kill me there while everyone feasted? While she distracted Mikkel?
