Page 24 of Crown of Hearts
I half smiled, attempting recovery. “I wasn’t planning on it but perhaps a ball could be fun.”
Her grin quickly returned and there was no doubt she would leave our meeting and tell every person she came across that she had personally been informed by me about a ball I would be hosting.
I looked at Meredette again, but she was occupied with some pink flowers that I couldn’t remember the name of. I half listened as Meredette made some comment about the flowers while I looked to the horizon where the kingdom of Everness lay. I hated her hopefulness when I had no intention of courting her. I had no intention of courting anyone for a while. Especially if there were Argonian spies in my kingdom.
“I’ll admit I was surprised at Your Majesty’s invitation.” Meredette drew my attention back to the conversation.
“Oh?” was the only word that escaped my lips.
“Well, with all the changes at court, I didn’t think you’d have time for... social affairs.” She chose her words carefully as if testing the waters. Of course, she would make assumptions of her own even if no clear intentions had been stated. Who wouldn’t?
“Well, I like to stay busy,” I replied without thinking and then realised the words hadn’t come out exactly the way I wanted to. This only seemed to encourage Meredette.
“I’m very glad we finally got a chance to meet properly. Lady Gwen mentions you so often and she always has the nicest things to say.”
“She is like a younger sister.” Whom I was going to have a very stern conversation with regarding her interference in my affairs, or rather the lack of affairs.
“She’s been a very kind friend to me.”
I wasn’t sure how to reply, so I gave her a polite smile.
“And what else does His Majesty like to do in his free time?” It was becoming practically torturous now. And even though most men would probably have killed for the chance to be on a walk with a beautiful girl like Meredette, I could only think of the million other things that required my attention.
“I’ve been out horse riding a lot recently.” It always seemed like a good excuse to get out of the palace.
“I’m quite fond of horses,” she said softly.
“We are fortunate, our stables have magnificent breeds.”
“I have no doubt, Your Majesty.”
The conversation seemed to have run out, and with nothing left to say, we continued our stroll in awkward silence. I noticed Alastor near one of the palace doors. “If you’ll accept my apologies, my lady, I’m afraid I must cut our conversation short.”
Raised as a lady should be, Meredette kept face, though I could tell she wasn’t too impressed.
“I have a very important matter at hand that needs to be discussed,” I said, gesturing towards Alastor.
“Of course.” She bowed. “Don’t let me keep you away from your duties.” I nodded when she said, “Don’t forget the promise you made of a ball.”
“I won’t.” I forced a smile before hurrying off.
“Everything all right?” Alastor asked upon seeing my expression.
“Just keep walking,” I muttered under my breath, not looking back as I walked past him.
“That bad?” he questioned carefully, as he followed me inside.
“No.” I sighed, slowing our pace. “I just...” I shook my head, not wanting to continue the subject. Despite the tapestries and curtains, our voices still echoed off the stone walls.
“What news is there regarding our prisoners?” I looked around and made sure there was no one nearby to eavesdrop.
“Nothing,” Alastor replied. “If Aries sent them, whatever he promised or offered made them willing to risk their lives. We all know how loyal those damn Argonians can be.”
“Well, something’s got to give,” I replied. “We can’t keep them there for ever. It’s too much of a risk.”
He nodded before stalking off.
The palace was bustling, every servant and courtier appearing to be on their own mission. Most of the time, I preferred to have the palace lively and full of guests, but today everything felt like a distraction from my duty. I saw Meredette climb into her carriage as I passed one of the open windows. Soon gossip would begin to circulate about whether or not I was courting, as well as the prospect of a future queen. I knew I couldn’t put it off for ever but... I sighed again.
