Page 26 of Crown of Hearts
“Do you think he’ll take your hand with a smile or perhaps pull you into his arms and spin you around in the air?”
This was exactly one of the many reasons I didn’t take pleasure in reading the same way Anesta did. It filled your head with foolish notions and unrealistic expectations.
“Well.” I pulled at my bodice, attempting to make it sit more comfortably, but it was useless. “Hopefully he will see that this is a smart choice for both of us and will agree without hesitation.”
“I cannot believe I actually get to witness this. It’s so romantic.” She clasped her hands together.
“I wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s romantic.”
Anesta suddenly met my eyes, and I watched her expression grow into some form of understanding.
“This is a political agreement. Nothing more and nothing less,” I said, knowing that was the only way I would allow myself to think of the situation. Allowing any kind of personal feelings to get involved would only complicate the matter so much more.
“You’re right, I’m sorry,” she apologised. “I have spoken out of my place.”
“There is nothing to be sorry for,” I reassured her. Anesta looked so hopeful, I would hate to be the one to ruin her mood. But we also needed to stay focused. This alliance was important for all of us.
“Could you tell me about him?” she asked with a hint of caution, folding her hands in her lap. The carriage continued to bump along the rocky road.
“About whom?”
“About His Majesty. What’s King Cai like?”
I sighed and crossed my arms in thought. “He’s... he’s kind.”
Anesta smiled softly.
“He’s a good soldier. He cares deeply for his kingdom. He loves the outdoors.”
“He sounds lovely,” she replied.
“I expected him to be stuck-up and spoiled.” I chuckled at the memory of my first encounter with Cai. Back before I knew he was the crown prince of Norrandale. “But he can be very sweet and caring.”
“You should see the way your eyes light up when you talk about him.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I scoffed. “We’re here for a political alliance, remember?”
“Right.”
“We’re almost there, Your Majesty,” Rhen called from outside the carriage, where he was leading the party on horseback. I relaxed a little, thinking about Rhen’s presence. I had no doubts that he would give his life to keep us safe. If it hadn’t been for him, that girl with the knife might have... I shuddered, not wanting to think about it. At least with him and Anesta, I didn’t feel quite so alone. Before I was queen, being alone was a normality. And yet, I’d become dependent on these two people. Elara, the Masked Bandit, needing someone... what an ironic thought. Part of me wondered if I should have left Rhen to keep an eye on things in Everness. There was no telling what would happen while I was away. I pushed the thought from my mind. Sitting here with worry wasn’t going to change anything anyway.
Focus. Focus. Focus.
When we entered the palace gates, I finally dared to look outside the carriage window. I wished I hadn’t. I gulped at the majesty of the large building, boasting tall towers and massive gardens. It made the palace in Levernia look small.
“It’s incredible. Have you ever seen a palace to equal it?” Anesta was in awe as well. I didn’t quite allow my mouth to hang open as hers did.
We made our way up a long gravel road and then around a large fountain, splashing with crystal-clear water.
When we finally stopped, Rhen dismounted, looked around and walked to the carriage door, where he stood ready to help. I reached for him before stepping out.
“Your hands are shaking,” he said under his breath.
“Shut up.” I didn’t need him to point out the obvious now. Of course I was terrified. Even if I didn’t know what exactly I was so terrified of. Rejection maybe? No. This was only Cai. The prince whom I’d spent days on end with. My friend. The man with the blond hair and enchanting green eyes.
You haven’t spoken in months, my mind reminded me. We were no longer the same people — we were a king and a queen.
Rhen announced us to the palace guards, highlighting the importance of our visit.
