Page 4 of If The Crown Fits
“All I’m saying is,” he continued, “that spending the rest of your days with someone faithfully is life-altering. She can either be the best or worst thing that happens to you.”
I raised an eyebrow in his direction. “How is that supposed to be comforting?”
“Who said anything about comforting?” He chuckled. “You don’t pay me for that.”
I couldn’t help smiling at my old friend.
“The marriage is still advantageous in many ways, is it not?” Alastor, our weapon keeper, questioned.
“Yes. We have lots of crops and raw materials such as gold and silver, which could be beneficial to Everness considering how many of the people live in poverty. But Everness has military enforcements that Norrandale’s army simply can’t compare to. After the war, we have been a meek army at best. There is a reason so few dare to threaten them.”
“The only reason King Magnus has such a large army is because most of the people are hungry enough to sell their souls.At least that’s what I’ve heard,” Jack said. “He doesn’t pay them nearly enough, but threatens their families — which makes them loyal to the monarchy and to them alone.”
“Loyalty out of fear isn’t real loyalty,” Alastor said.
“I agree.” I nudged my horse forwards. “But creating an alliance with them is safer than fighting them. There may be peace in Norrandale now, but until we are able to protect ourselves, we stand the risk of being invaded by almost anyone.”
“But still.” Jack would not give up the conversation and I was beginning to sense that perhaps it had been too long sincehe’dhad a lady in his arms. “You must wonder what she’ll be like.”
“If she’s anything like her brother, you’re in big trouble.”
Alastor’s comment was muttered as a joke. Most of the time he didn’t have anything to say at all. Alastor was the quiet sort, but deadly. His words, however, did have some merit, which created an even bigger sense of concern in the pit of my stomach. Stories of Lance travelled to Norrandale, but I’d never heard much about Princess Eloisa. Didn’t know of her reputation or if she had a mind as devious as her brother’s.
“Now you really do look concerned,” Jack commented and I frowned.
“You are here for my protection,” I reminded him. “Instead, you have made me fear for my life.”
Jack laughed. “Don’t worry yourself so, Your Highness. It won’t change anything.”
“You’re right, I’m sure she will be perfectly charming.” I made an attempt at convincing myself.
“For your sake, I truly hope so.”
Chapter 3
The Throne Room of the Palace of Levernia, Everness
Lara
The prince’s crown was too big for his head.
Decorated with more jewels than I could count, it sat slightly askew atop his raven hair. The messy locks contributed to the appearance of a boy pretending to be king. He didn’t look like he belonged on the throne. He looked like a philandering prince who thought politics was a game and poverty was a decision. I had heard enough stories to know exactly what kind of a prince he was.
I let out a heavy breath, squaring my shoulders to show the arrogant bastard that I was not one of the people he could intimidate — something he was no doubt used to, which was evident by his boyish smirk and the questionable look in his eyes.
I would not be afraid. Even if my life was in his hands.
If I was going to die, then I was not going to die a coward.
“What is this?” He gestured as if bored by me.
“The Masked Bandit, sire,” the guard holding on to me said. He pulled off the hood of my cloak and the small group of people gathered in the throne room let out gasps of surprise as my long hair tumbled over my shoulders. The guard was about to reach for my mask — the cloth tiedunder my eyes — and I pulled away frantically, when a voice echoed through the throne room.
“No!” The prince leaned forwards on his throne more eagerly. “Let’s not spoil all the fun just yet. Besides, she could be an imposter.” He sat back. “You can release her.”
I glanced up at the marble pillars of the throne room, towering and prominent, serpents wrapped around them like anoose around a neck. The thought made my stomach clench. I would prefer my own neck to remain noose-free.
The guards at either side of me seemed wary of the order, as if they expected me to bolt for the nearest door or pluck out a hidden dagger and stab one of them.
