Page 78 of 2 Books in One Bundle
‘Andreas will arrange somethingIchoose?’ Helia challenged with a cocked brow. She stopped short of scoffing.
‘Yes, he will. Need I remind you there was a coronation yesterday? You are Queen. You have power. Use it. And should you need it, I will support you.’
There was a look she couldn’t decipher that passed over his face, but she appreciated the words, nonetheless. ‘Thank you.’
‘That’s what a husband is for.’
Despite all that they’d spoken of, Helia laughed. ‘Is it?’
‘So I hear. Other things include reminding their wives about unpleasant events—like the coronation banquet that will be held a few weeks after we return.’
She could tell he was trying to keep the atmosphere light, but the tic in his jaw and the fact that his smile hadn’t reached his eyes betrayed his true feelings.
‘Why does that bother you so much?’
Vasili studied her intently before heaving a deep sigh, as if the weight of the world sat upon his shoulders. She supposed it did.
‘It sickens me that Leander died only two weeks ago and yet now a banquet is being planned. We’ve had a celebration in the city. It just...’ He took in a deep breath and glanced out of the window, grasping the armrests of his chair.
Helia understood. Vasili was grieving more than anyone realised or cared to acknowledge. Yes, the Kingdom had lost its king, but now it had a new one. Vasili had lost his brother. His flesh and blood. Not a title or someone who could be replaced.
‘Vasili,’ she said gently. She wanted to take his hand in hers but refrained from doing so. He was looking at her, and that would have to be enough. ‘I know this marriage isn’t what you chose, but I meant my vows. I will support you. This union between us can be what we make it, and if you want to postpone the banquet then that is what we’ll do. If you want to have a ceremony to honour Leander instead, we’ll do that. You have lost your brother, and you should do what you need to be free of all the chains your advisors have wrapped around you. So, tell me what you need and I will help you make it happen.’
‘Helia...’
Her name was a breath on his lips. He said nothing else as he stared at her. Whatever emotion was contained in that one word was not reflected on his blank face.
It was clear Vasili had loved his brother deeply. And he cared about so much that he wouldn’t reveal. He was willing to do something he truly hated because he cared about his people. If there was anyone who would support her goal it was him. And she felt her silly heart give up a piece of itself to the King.
‘Get dressed, Helia. We will leave shortly.’
His voice had grown low.
Helia nodded and closed the door to the bedroom behind her, feeling utterly devastated for him.
CHAPTER SIX
HELIAFOUNDHERSELFin the King’s office. Vasili’s office.
After their chat over breakfast, she’d readied herself as quickly as possible in clothes she didn’t recognise and made her way with Vasili to this room. It didn’t suit him at all. Everything seemed to have been carefully chosen to project an image of modernity, but without pushing the boundaries of tradition. That wasn’t Vasili. Since she had first seen him, everything he had done had smashed down tradition’s stifling walls. He didn’t toe any line. He challenged it. It felt as if everything here had been designed for someone else and Vasili was the understudy that didn’t fit.
The notion angered her.
‘I thought we were meeting with Andreas,’ she said, turning away from the fresco she had been examining.
‘We are, but we’re making him come to us. In fact... Would you come over here, Helia?’
Without thinking, she obeyed, walking over to Vasili, who had pulled his chair out.
‘Have a seat.’
Helia stopped short. It might not be the throne, but that was most certainly the King’s seat. Arguably the most important seat in the Kingdom. And he was offering it to her.
‘I couldn’t possibly.’
‘Of course you could.’
He waited. Clearly he wouldn’t back down.
