Page 27 of The Promised Prince
The little girl beamed.
“We’re all really excited about your upcoming marriage, Your Highness,” another onlooker said.
“I am too.” For the first time, Trev actually meant it.
8
Trev
Trev and Drake arrived in Albana city at the ruler’s palace the next morning. Trev could see his father’s watchful eye from his balcony above the courtyard. He gestured with his hand for Trev to join him upstairs. It wasn’t going to be the typical father and son joyful reunion. King Carver had always shied away from emotional connection.
Trev entered his father’s office to find him seated at his desk, poring over a stack of papers. The room was lavish, with stained woodwork and trim covering the walls. Rich leather couches were positioned in front of a large stone fireplace with several smaller leather chairs facing the king’s mahogany desk.
“You’re late,” King Carver said, barely glancing up from his work. His dark hair and beard were peppered with silver, and his face held deep lines.
“Good to see you too, Father.” Trev casually sat on a couch next to the fireplace, rummaging through a nearby tray of food that had been brought in for his father.
“You were supposed to be here last night.”
Trev picked up a piece of fruit and put it in his mouth. “We got held up.”
“A messenger sent word that the New Hope princess will arrive this afternoon.” His father looked up from his desk. “Do I have to remind you how important this alliance is?”
Trev already knew, of course, but was sure his father would tell him anyway.
“You need the princess to help get you votes in the election. Some factions believe our family has ruled this country too long.”
More like people think youhave ruled too long.
“They want change. They want Joniss Doman, which we know is a terrible choice. He only wants power and control.”
And you don’t?
“It will be harder for people to vote against you once you’re married to the New Hope princess. Joniss doesn’t have New Hope.” His father smirked. “We do.”
The marriage alliance was something King Carver liked to brag about—how ten years ago he’d had the forethought to arrange a marriage alliance with New Hope and plan the ceremony just a few months before the election.
“What if people don’t vote based on New Hope? What if they vote based on who is helping them right now?”
“Bah! New Hope has the strongest military in all seven kingdoms. People will vote based on the fact that New Hope’s military, combined with ours, will keep them safe from Tolsten’s attacks.”
“Father, I’ve spent the last year touring the kingdom, and I can tell you that most people have more worries than just Tolsten. They also care about their livelihoods, earning enough money to survive the winter, and keeping their crops from failing. If people vote based on those things, I might not win the election. What happens to the alliance then?”
His father leaned back in his chair. “If you don’t win the election, the terms of the alliance won’t be honored. Albion will lose everything.”
There was a lot riding on Trev—on him becoming king. If he somehow messed up the election, his kingdom would suffer. He alone held the future of Albion in his hands. When he really thought about it, the pressure suffocated him.
“Of course, if you lose the election, we wouldn’t be giving up all chance at a crown. You’d have to go to New Hope and gain support there. Though, King Bryant still has thirteen more years to his reign, which isn’t ideal.” His father rubbed his chin. “Unless we usurped him somehow.”
Trev dropped his head into his hands. “You’re unbelievable! Do you even hear yourself?”
“What?” The king shrugged.
“I can’t believe you would suggest usurping King Bryant just so I could become a king. It’s despicable and I won’t be a part of it.”
“Don’t lose the election and you won’t have to be.”
Trev gave him a pointed look. “You’re not helping my chances. Did you know that Oakefor’s main water source is contaminated?”
