Page 39 of Crown of Hearts
I’d asked him to marry me, and he’d said no.
So, I pattered back to bed, hoping that a dreamless sleep would take me this time.
* * *
“I’m so happy we finally get to spend some time together again.” Cordelia grinned as we climbed out of the carriage. The city, which bordered the palace grounds, was so much bigger and busier than I could have imagined. I definitely wasn’t in Levernia anymore.
“Me too.” I tried not to gawk. She linked arms with me and led me through the vibrant streets while Rhen followed behind at an appropriate distance. Gone were the days that I walked through the cities alone. Gone were the days I scaled rooftops and sneaked through markets. The air was crisp and fresh, and somewhere in the distance, someone was playing a fiddle. The streets swarmed with people as we walked past colourful window displays of hats, dresses, glassware and art.
I couldn’t face Cai that morning. Just the thought of the dream made me blush, and I knew I would struggle to look him in the eye. But our council meeting couldn’t be pushed back for ever. I’d heard some of the council members weren’t currently at court and had been asked by Cai to return to the palace. But I needed something more substantial than a potential meeting. It felt as though I had a ticking clock, and the time was slowly running out.
I attempted to focus while Cordelia talked about which vendors and merchants she liked and which bakeries made her favourite pastries and cakes. We walked the cobbled streets while I took in the signs and window displays. There was something lively about the atmosphere. Cordelia led me inside a merchant’s shop filled with trinkets and gifts.
How could it be that less than a year ago I would have risked my life to steal some of these things and now I could afford as many of them as I wanted? I couldn’t decide if it made me feel relieved or filled with guilt.
“Do you think I should get this for Jack?” she asked, holding up a small flask. I turned my attention to her from where I had been staring out the window at the people passing by in the street.
I contemplated the flask for a moment. It was silver with a decorated leather strap attached. The craftsmanship was impressive. A lovely gift indeed. I knew the two of them cared for each other, but it made my heart warm to see her this happy.
“I think he would really appreciate that, Cordelia.”
Her smile grew. “Great.” I waited while she purchased the flask and finally convinced her to take me to one of these bakeries that she kept raving about. I would, embarrassingly, admit that it was the best cake I’d ever had in my life and that I practically inhaled it. How had I managed so long without chocolate?
“You seem to be thriving here,” I commented when we made our way back to the carriage, Rhen’s arms full of small boxes filled with sweets and pastries.
“It sure is different from my life in Everness,” Cordelia agreed. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t miss it sometimes.” She gave a backward glance towards her brother. Rhen only gave her a small smile.
“Do you think you and Jack will ever get married?”
“He talks about it all the time.”
“But?” I nudged her to tell me more.
“But I think he’s afraid his station isn’t good enough. He’s always on about saving money and so forth.” She shrugged.
“He’s captain of the king’s guard.”
“He doesn’t have a title or assets. Starting a life of our own won’t be easy.” And while Jack was young now, what would happen when he grew too old to serve in the king’s army? Endless thoughts and questions raced through my mind, and though I knew it was none of my business, I wondered if I should speak to Cai about it. If he knew what Jack’s intentions with Cordelia were, he might find a way to help his friend.
“It will all work out,” I tried to reassure her. “You’ll see.”
* * *
I found myself walking into an empty dining room by the time lunch rolled around. Well, empty apart from one person lounging at the head of the table with a book in his hand.
“Hello, Lord Thatcher,” I greeted him sheepishly. I’d mostly tried to avoid his gaze during our first encounter but now I had a chance to fully inspect Cai’s friend. They shared a similar hair colour, but Thatcher had a wildness and ambition in his eyes that I couldn’t quite name.
“There is no need for such formalities, Your Majesty. Please just call me Thatcher,” he said, putting the book down and turning his attention to me.
“In that case, you can call me Elara.” It was strange introducing myself by my first name. But there was a sense of truthful relief to it. I could practically hear Rhen lecturing me that it was improper, but I didn’t really care. I was getting tired of being called “Your Majesty” all the time. It only managed to remind me of the massive responsibility I had to carry on my shoulders. “Are you having lunch by yourself?” I gestured to the empty room and half-dressed table.
Thatcher shrugged. “I was going to have lunch with Cai, but he’s decided to take lunch in his study instead.”
My stomach rumbled, the cake from earlier long forgotten.
“Would you care to join me, Your Majesty?” Thatcher asked, not calling me by my first name as I’d requested.
“Oh, I don’t know.” My hands involuntarily fidgeted behind my back.
